Emergency Room RN
Bismarck, North Dakota
CHI Saint Alexius Health

Registered Nurse (ER RN) - Bismarck, North Dakota

Job Details

• Specialty: Emergency Room Registered Nurse (ER RN)
• Location: Bismarck, North Dakota
• Contract Length: 13 weeks
• Shift: Days
• Shift Length: 12 hours
• Hours per Week: 36
• Trauma Level: Level II
• ER Beds/Trauma Bays: 21 including fast track
• Patient Volume: 50-60 patients per day, mostly ESI Level 3, some Level 4, rarely Level 1
• Nurse-to-Patient Ratio: Typically 1:3-4 based on acuity; may be 1:5 if boarding patients are grouped together
• Weekend Requirement: Every other weekend
• Holiday Requirement: Every other holiday
• Floating: Rare, only as needed to assist or based on census and staffing
• Orientation: 1-2 shifts of unit/department-specific orientation
• Dress Code: Any color scrubs allowed

Department & Environment

• Separate triage area staffed primarily by core staff; travelers may take triage duties after competency validation or prior experience
• Vertical flow (fast track) area with chairs for stable patients; travelers utilized here
• Separate holding area for boarding patients; stable patients moved to vertical flow, unstable patients kept near nurses’ station
• One psych/seclusion room with camera monitoring
• Security is in-house 24/7 and located within the ER
• No Telemetry techs; RNs read and interpret cardiac monitor strips, MDs verify
• Respiratory Therapists (RT) available as needed but not 24/7 in the ER; RTs handle ventilators, CPAP, BiPAP, high flow oxygen, and breathing treatments
• X-Ray and CT located adjacent to ER; stable patients transported by CT tech, unstable patients accompanied by RN
• Phlebotomy available as a resource; RNs draw labs from IV starts

Patient Types & Common Diagnoses

• Patient population ranges from pediatrics to geriatrics
• Common cases include trauma, CAH transfers, stroke, STEMI, shortness of breath, abdominal pain
• Common drips: vasopressors, heparin, antiarrhythmics; critical care drips for ICU holds require 1:1 nursing

Staffing

• ER staffed 24/7 by physicians only (no mid-level providers)
• Typical physician coverage: 1 MD overnight until 6 am, 3 MDs during busiest times
• Charge nurse present on each shift; manages department throughput and assists staff but does not take patient assignments
• ED techs (usually 1-2 per shift) assist with EKGs, patient care, vitals, blood glucose monitoring

Required Certifications & Qualifications

• Certifications: BLS, ACLS, PALS, TNCC required
• Prior travel experience preferred but first-time travelers are welcome
• Must be able to interpret cardiac monitor strips and manage common ER drips
• Ability to float is rare but may be requested occasionally

Additional Information

• Radius rule: Candidates must be located within 50 miles and may not be currently employed full-time, part-time, or PRN with any related facilities within the specified health system network
• Return to Office (RTO) required within 7 days of contract start; no additional RTO extensions allowed

This position offers a fast-paced, diverse emergency room experience with a supportive team and a variety of patient acuities. It is ideal for ER nurses with required certifications and a preference for travel nursing, though new travelers are also considered.