Emergency Department Registered Nurse skills for your resume and career

Patients are individuals who receive medical care from healthcare professionals. Emergency department registered nurses use patients by performing assessments, providing immediate medical interventions, and prioritizing care. They also communicate important clinical details to physicians, provide detailed instructions to patients and family members at discharge, and ensure stabilization of patients using sound clinical judgment and established emergency department protocols. As Allyssa Harris, Dean and Professor at Prairie View A & M University, puts it, "Nurses with the health care team to manage and coordinate patient care which include physical assessments-assessing, observing, and evaluating the patient's response to care, administering medication and treatments, assisting with procedures, and providing health education to patients and their families."

ACLS stands for Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support. It's a set of clinical guidelines for the treatment of cardiac arrest and stroke. Emergency department registered nurses use ACLS to respond appropriately to adult cardiac patients. They apply ACLS protocols when stabilizing critical patients, managing trauma or critically ill patients, and providing skilled nursing care. They also use it in the care of patients with diverse medical diagnoses.

Acute care involves providing medical treatment to patients who need immediate care. Emergency department registered nurses use acute care to assess and treat patients of all ages with urgent needs. They also provide critical care transportation and handle minor procedures in an acute care setting. As Michelle Hampton Ph.D., Associate Professor at San Jose State University, puts it, "Acute care settings are challenged with increased workload and understaffing. They are cross-training nurses from other departments to work in ICU or other places, for which they might not have the experience to meet the hospital's needs or organization."

Life support is the care given to a patient whose vital organs are not working properly. Emergency department registered nurses use life support by managing basic needs, stabilizing patients, and performing specialized treatments like CPR and oxygen administration. They also maintain certifications in advanced life support procedures and trauma care.

Patient outcomes refer to the results of the care a patient receives. Emergency department registered nurses use patient outcomes to guide their planning and decision-making, ensuring that their actions lead to the best possible results for their patients. They collaborate with other healthcare professionals to achieve these outcomes, which can include effective pain management, short hospital stays, and reduced readmissions. As Alison Alaimo MSN, RN, Undergraduate Program Director/Clinical Assistant Professor at Missouri State University, puts it, "Nurses work tirelessly to promote positive patient outcomes."

CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, is a lifesaving technique used when a person's heart stops beating. Emergency department registered nurses use CPR to help save patients' lives during cardiac and respiratory arrests. They perform CPR, administer medications during these situations, and operate defibrillators. They also train others in CPR, track certifications, and educate patients and families about new medications.

Discharge planning is the process of arranging for a patient's care after they leave the hospital. Emergency department registered nurses use discharge planning to ensure patients receive the right care after they are released. They coordinate with other medical staff to plan for patient care, referrals, and education. They also assist in planning for patient transfers to other facilities and provide information for patients to manage their conditions at home.

Triage is the process of quickly assessing patients to determine the severity of their condition and prioritize their care. Emergency department registered nurses use triage to evaluate patients in emergency situations, classify their condition, and decide the order of care. They perform assessments, collect medical history, and document all information to ensure proper care. They also use triage to coordinate care for patients, from initial assessment to final destination.

Direct patient care is the hands-on interaction and attention provided to patients by medical professionals. Emergency department registered nurses use direct patient care to manage patients in fast-paced emergency environments. They perform tasks such as assessing patient needs, administering medication, and providing attention to patients with varying degrees of injuries or illnesses. They also coordinate and deliver care to patients in trauma centers, rural emergency departments, and other settings.

Critical care is a high level of medical care for patients who are critically ill or injured. Emergency department registered nurses use critical care to monitor and intervene in the care of these patients, provide complex care plans, and respond to critical care situations like code blues. They also use critical care knowledge and judgment to coordinate safe patient transfers and admissions. As Natali Heywood DNP, RN, CNE, Clinical Assistant Professor at Arizona State University, points out, "An ICU nurse earning their Critical Care Certified Nurse (CCRN) is a way to increase salary potential. To take these specialty exams, you usually need 2+ years of bedside practice."

Compassion is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. Emergency department registered nurses use compassion by showing sensitivity and respect towards their patients and families. They offer emotional support with empathy, facilitating pain management and reassessing the effectiveness of therapy. As Mary Farmer, MSN, RN, Associate Professor and Practical Nursing Program Coordinator at the University of Hawaii Maui College, states, "Time management skills, empathy, and compassion for others are soft skills that nursing assistants should possess."

TNCC, or Trauma Nurse Core Certification, is a professional credential that validates a nurse's expertise in trauma care. Emergency department registered nurses use TNCC to provide specialized care to trauma patients. They follow TNCC guidelines for specific trauma cases, such as closed head injuries and blunt abdominal trauma. Many nurses also obtain TNCC certification, which enables them to provide training to other nurses in trauma care.

Patient safety is the protection of patients from harm, injury, and medical errors. Emergency department registered nurses use patient safety by prioritizing patient care, maintaining sterile procedures, and ensuring that patient care meets established nursing care standards. They also follow hospital protocols and policies to ensure patient safety. As Jeffery Christian, a Professor at the Nursing Department of Sac City, puts it, "the ability to constantly think critically is vital for patient safety."

An emergency room is a department in a hospital where patients receive immediate care for acute illnesses or injuries. Emergency department registered nurses work in this fast-paced environment, providing direct care to patients, facilitating their transfer to other departments, and assisting physicians with examinations and procedures. They use evidence-based models for patient care and collaborate with staff and physicians to provide extensive care. As Kathrine Skurski, a nursing instructor at Morton College, puts it, "Expanding lines of communication will be of utmost importance, and a focus of technological advancement in nursing. With internet-based electronic health records, an emergency room nurse can look up a patient's medication list, healthcare providers and specialists, recent hospitalizations, vaccinations, and more."