ER Registered Nurse
Bakersfield, California
Bakersfield Memorial Hospital

Registered Nurse - ER (California, Bakersfield)

Job Overview

Seeking an experienced ER nurse for a travel contract in California. The role involves working in a busy emergency department with both adult and pediatric patients. Candidates must have prior travel experience and be comfortable floating between adult and pediatric ER areas.

Contract Length

• 13 weeks

Required Experience

• Minimum 3 years of ER nursing experience (higher requirement between 2 and 3 years)
• Prior travel experience required (no first-time travelers accepted)
• Experience with both pediatric and adult ER patients (approximately 50% pediatric population)
• Experience in triage required

Certifications & Licenses

• Active California RN license
• BLS (Basic Life Support)
• ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support)
• PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support)
• NIHSS (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale)

Work Environment

• Adult ER: 36 treatment areas
• Pediatric ER: 12 treatment areas plus 8 fast track pods
• Approximately 325 patient visits per day across both ERs
• Pediatric ER is a receiving center for pediatric emergencies
• Adult ER is a STEMI, CVA, and burn receiving center
• No separate psych/seclusion rooms
• In-house security present

Patient Care & Responsibilities

• Manage a wide range of diagnoses from minor injuries to critically ill patients
• Patient ratios: ICU 1:2, Pediatric ER 1:4, Adult ER 1:4, procedural sedation 1:1
• Must be able to float between adult and pediatric ER as needed
• Perform triage and manage ER holds (intermixed within ER)
• Basic EKG interpretation required; critical care RNs may have additional testing
• Work with ER techs, CNAs, and LVNs in fast track areas
• Use of Cerner EMR system
• Telemetry monitoring with monitor tech support
• Phlebotomy duties included

Scheduling

• 12-hour shifts: 7a-7p, 11a-11p, 3p-3a, 7p-7a
• No block scheduling; flexibility required
• 4 weekend shifts per month (can be weekly or every other week)
• Holiday shifts expected unless on contracted time off
• No call requirement; possible standby with 30-minute response time if called in

Dress Code

• Navy blue scrubs for RNs
• No hoodies, sweatshirts, or sweat jackets allowed
• Night shift nurses are first to float

Summary

This position is ideal for an experienced ER nurse with strong pediatric and adult emergency care skills, who has prior travel nursing experience and holds all required certifications. Flexibility in scheduling and the ability to work in a fast-paced, high-volume ER environment are essential.