RN Emergency Services

Position Summary:

The RN or LPN provides direct patient care by utilization of the nursing process in accordance with the established policies and procedures of Southwestern Medical Center. Performs a variety of direct and indirect patient care duties within the scope of practice of a RN or LPN according to the Oklahoma Nurse Practice Act. Participates in the planning, implementing, and evaluating of nursing care. Maintains clinical competencies through continuing education offered at Southwestern Medical Center or by The State of Oklahoma.

• Advanced cardiac monitoring
• Care of emergent and non-emergent patients
• Head-to-toe assessments - knowledge of normal vs. abnormal findings and reporting of abnormal findings to Charge Nurse, Provider., if warranted
• Phlebotomy skills
• Critical thinking to intervene with appropriate intervention for urgent/emergent care. Care of the acute and chronically ill patients
• Knowledge of hemodynamics
• Basic IV and central line skills
• Identifying and managing life-sustaining physiologic functions in unstable patients
• Includes other duties as assigned

 Tasks:

• Maintain accurate, detailed reports and records.
• Monitor, record and report symptoms and changes in patients' conditions.
• Record patients' medical information and vital signs.
• Modify patient treatment plans as indicated by patients' responses and conditions.
• Consult and coordinate with health care team members to assess, plan, implement and evaluate patient care plans.
• Order, interpret, and evaluate diagnostic tests to identify and assess patient's condition.
• Monitor all aspects of patient care, including diet and physical activity.
• Direct and supervise less skilled nursing/health care personnel, or supervise a particular unit on one shift.
• Prepare patients for, and assist with, examinations and treatments.Essential duties and responsibilities
• Triage

The ER nurse assesses the patient’s injuries or condition upon reception. He or she then places them in a prioritized order in which they are seen by the doctor.

• Vitals

The ER nurse takes the patients vitals such as weight, temperature and blood pressure. He or she records information to give to the attending physician.

• Temperament

An emergency room nurse remains calm during tense situations and offers comfort to patients that may be experiencing symptoms of shock. Long work hours are a part of the job and breaks might be few and far between.

• Aftercare

The RN on duty in the emergency room is responsible for carrying out the care plan the doctor prescribes. He or she administers medications or injects shots. He or she explains any discharge instructions to the family and patient, and prepares them to take over care at home.

       Hospital / Departmental Policies, Protocols, and Procedures:

Supports hospital mission statement, philosophy, goals and objectives.

 Special Qualifications:

                   Effective verbal, written, and computer communication skills.

                  Ability to work with others as a team to ensure quality patient care.

                  Ability to demonstrate satisfactory pain management aptitude.

Licensure/Registration :

• Registered Nurse License  or Licensed Practical Nurse issued by the State of Oklahoma.
• BLS within 30 days of hire.
• ACLS and PALS within 6 months of hire
• NIH Stroke by end of Clinical Nursing Orientation

      Experience Required:

      Successful completion of an orientation program or equivalent experience. 1 year of experience in the ER is preferred.

      Education/Development/Initiative:

•       Graduate from an accredited nursing program, in the State of Oklahoma.
•        Completes continuing education requirements.
•        Has knowledge of current trends and practices. 
•        Maintains education and development appropriate for position.
•        Applies feedback to improve performance.
•        Exhibits ability to learn and apply new skills.
•        Attends job related in-services.
•        Participates in department and hospital wide improvement initiatives.

       Able to perform job duties autonomously.

       Completes required hospital Code of Conduct training.

       Demonstrates self-motivation in performing job duties.

       Attends at least 80% of department meetings.

       Attends annual Safety Fair.