Charge Nurse - Emergency Department

Lead Nurse Responsibilities:

Leadership & Oversight

• Serve as the clinical leader and primary resource for nursing staff during assigned shifts.
• Coordinate staffing assignments based on patient acuity and unit needs.
• Manage shift operations, including delegation of tasks and monitoring workflows.
• Support staff in escalating clinical concerns to providers or leadership as needed.

Patient Flow & Throughput

• Oversee the movement of patients through the ED, from arrival to disposition (admission, transfer, or discharge).
• Collaborate with bed management, inpatient units, and ancillary departments to optimize patient flow.
• Address and mitigate bottlenecks or delays in real-time.

Resource Management

• Ensure appropriate availability of supplies, equipment, and staffing resources.
• Initiate and lead code responses, disaster preparedness actions, and emergency protocols.

Communication & Team Support

• Act as a liaison between ED staff, physicians, other departments, and hospital leadership.
• Facilitate shift handoff and ensure continuity of care through effective communication.
• Provide coaching, mentorship, and conflict resolution as needed.
• Provide coverage for breaks to ensure downtime for our staff.

 Triage Nurse Responsibilities:

 Initial Patient Assessment

• Perform comprehensive triage assessments using standardized triage protocols (e.g., ESI—Emergency Severity Index).
• Determine the priority level for care based on patient acuity and resource needs.

Clinical Decision-Making

• Identify high-risk patients and initiate life-saving interventions per standing orders or protocols.
• Communicate critical findings promptly to the care team.

Documentation & Data Entry

• Accurately document triage assessments, vital signs, chief complaints, and other pertinent clinical information in the EHR.

Patient Experience & Safety

• Provide clear instructions and explanations to patients and families regarding wait times, processes, and care expectations.
• Ensure infection control and safety measures are adhered to in the waiting area and triage spaces.

• Education: Graduate of an accredited Nursing Program (ADN or BSN preferred).
• Licensure: Current Registered Nurse (RN) license.
• Certifications: BLS and ACLS upon hire.  PALS and AVADE within 6 months of hire. TNCC and NRP within 1 year of hire. ENPC is supported by leadership and optional.
• Experience: Minimum of 2–3 years Emergency Department nursing experience. Prior leadership or triage experience preferred.
• Skills:

• • Strong clinical assessment and critical thinking skills.
  • Excellent communication, leadership, and team coordination abilities.
  • Proficiency in electronic medical records (EMR/EHR).
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.