Job Title: Emergency Room Nurse
Profession: Registered Nurse
Specialty: Emergency Room
Duration: 13 weeks
Shift: 12 Hour Nights
Hours per Shift: 36 hours per week
Experience: Minimum of 2 years
License: Required
Certifications: BLS, ACLS, PALS, TNCC
Must-Have: Previous travel experience preferred, but open to first-time travelers
Description:
Department: Emergency Room (RN)
Certifications required include BLS, ACLS, PALS, and TNCC.
The facility is a Level II trauma center with 21 beds, including fast track.
A vertical flow area allows stable patients to return to the waiting room while the physician processes orders.
A separate triage area is available, usually staffed by core personnel.
Travelers may take triage competencies after gaining experience.
Patients may be held based on stability and will be placed in appropriate areas.
One psych room is available, equipped with cameras.
Security is in-house 24/7 with an office located in the unit.
On average, the emergency room treats 50-60 patients per day, primarily ESI Level 3 and some Level 4.
The nurse-to-patient ratio is 1:3-4, potentially increasing to 5 during boarding situations.
The patient population includes a wide age range, with common diagnoses such as trauma, stroke, abdominal pain, and respiratory distress.
Critical drips frequently managed include vasopressors, heparin, and antiarrhythmics.
Emergency room physicians are present around the clock, with one physician on duty overnight and three during peak hours.
A charge nurse oversees shift management and throughput and also has patient assignments.
One to two emergency department technicians are typically available per shift to assist with patient care, vitals, and basic procedures.
Respiratory therapy is available on-call, arriving quickly as needed.
Nurses are responsible for drawing labs alongside available phlebotomy resources.
Shifts may vary, and weekend and holiday requirements are every other rotation.
Floating is a rare occurrence due to staffing needs.
One to two shifts of unit-specific orientation are provided.
Scrub attire is flexible, allowing any color.
A radius rule is in place for candidates regarding employment at similar facilities.
Requests for time off must be submitted upfront, with limited approval for additional requests.
The charting system used is EPIC.
A BSN degree is not required.
This position requires a valid nursing license.