RN – Registered Nurse – Emergency

-Connects with patient and family during triage. Identifies the initial management of patients of all age groups and assigns priority of care in accordance with Triage Standards as outlined in the ESI training. Establishes rapport with patients and families, addresses comfort needs, listens carefully, assesses nonverbal communication, and provides frequent updates. Conveys and gathers information concisely and accurately.
-Conducts primary assessment of critical need, detects and documents any major deviation from norm for all age groups within acceptable time frames, and correctly identifies the necessary steps/interventions required. Uses direct observation, patient/family interview, EMS report, and data to conduct secondary assessment. Identifies contributing factors, health history, events, or activities preceding the emergent health event. Assesses the psychosocial needs of each individual (including family dynamics), and documents and reports any suspicion of domestic violence or abuse in all age groups. Reassesses the patient to identify response to treatment and/or changes in condition and responds appropriately.
-Encourages and builds mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members to accomplish the best possible patient outcome.
Teaches others as appropriate and delegates tasks and interventions consistent with the individual’s education, training, and scope of practice. Understands the personal responsibility to safeguard public safety through compliance with infection prevention strategies.
-Prepares patient, parent, or family for diagnostic procedures and treatments. Makes appropriate referrals for post-emergency care. Teaches the patient what is needed to continue care/healing at home. Assesses the patient/family learning styles and structures the sessions to maximize understanding. Asks questions to evaluate retention of key points in the education and discharge instruction.
-Seeks to understand what is most important to the patient/family, acknowledging that the patient and family are the central focus of all care and services. Embraces the importance of creating a Healing Environment as a key element of professional nursing practice. Keeps patient and significant others informed of process of care, anticipates patient/family needs (including notification of family/support system for the patient). Maintains awareness of the patient’s condition /situation throughout the ER visit. Updates patient communication boards throughout the ED stay.