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How to Write an Emergency Room Nurse Job Description Sample

An Emergency Room Nurse, or Emergency Care Nurse, assesses patients when they arrive in the hospital and provides initial care to stabilize them. Emergency Room Nurses may fill out charts and intake papers, collect information and samples from patients, and identify patient needs to limit pain and discomfort.

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What does an Emergency Room Nurse do?

An Emergency Room Nurse is often one of the first medical professionals an injured or sick patient meets with when they enter an emergency room or urgent care clinic. These healthcare professionals provide emergency care and collaborate with doctors to determine which medications or treatment plan a patient may need. They also assist doctors during procedures, monitor vital signs, and prepare patients for treatment. Some of the primary duties an Emergency Room Nurse may be responsible for include cleaning and dressing wounds, drawing blood, inserting intravenous lines, and administering medications. They may also explain treatment and recovery plans to patients.

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Emergency Room Nurse duties and responsibilities

Emergency Room Nurses provide timely emergency care to their patients. While the specific tasks they need to complete may vary from one patient to the next, some of the most common responsibilities of an Emergency Room Nurse include:

  • Administering medication prescribed by a Doctor
  • Starting intravenous lines
  • Stabilizing incoming patients
  • Working with other emergency healthcare professionals to help patients
  • Giving stitches and sutures to injured patients
  • Maintaining up-to-date patient records
  • Helping transfer stable patients to other hospital wings
  • Triaging incoming patients based on their condition

Emergency Room Nurse skills and qualifications

An Emergency Room Nurse must have an excellent knowledge of emergency medical care procedures. They should also be able to work under pressure and multitask since they may assist multiple patients simultaneously. Other critical skills and qualifications you should look for when hiring an Emergency Room Nurse include:

  • Ability to work as part of a healthcare team
  • Effective written and verbal communication skills
  • Advanced knowledge of emergency medicine
  • Active Registered Nurse (RN) license
  • Empathy, sensitivity, and interpersonal skills
  • Desire to continue learning about new procedures and advancements in emergency care
  • Organization and time-management skills
  • Experience operating medical equipment

Emergency Room Nurse experience requirements

Many employers prefer to hire Emergency Room Nurses who have a minimum of three years of experience working as a Registered Nurse. Candidates should also have prior hands-on experience in emergency nursing, critical care, medical-surgical care, or intermediate care which they can gain on the job as a Registered Nurse. If you are hiring an Emergency Room Nurse to work in a large hospital or lead other staff members, consider applicants who have at least five years of experience as a Registered Nurse and a background in management.

Emergency Room Nurse education and training requirements

An Emergency Room Nurse must have an active RN license. To obtain this license, candidates need to complete a bachelor’s degree in nursing and pass the Canadian Registered Nurse Examination, which is administered nationally by the Canadian Nurses Association (CNA). There are also several voluntary certifications you can look for when reviewing candidates, such as the Emergency Nurse Certified Credential (ENC) offered by the CNA. If you are hiring an Emergency Room Nurse to fulfill a senior position or work in a large hospital, consider candidates with a master’s degree in emergency medicine or a related field.

Emergency Room Nurse salary expectations

The average annual salary for an Emergency Room Nurse in Canada is $59,256 per year. Pay can vary depending on a candidate’s level of experience, education, and geographical location.

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Emergency Room Nurse job description FAQs

What is the difference between an Emergency Room Nurse and a Charge Nurse?

Charge Nurses are responsible for managing the nursing staff in a specific department. They arrange shifts, oversee record keeping, and organize rounds for medication and care. A Charge Nurse may work in an emergency room, but they may also work in other healthcare settings, such as a maternity ward. In contrast, an Emergency Room Nurse is a Registered Nurse who provides immediate care to patients in an emergency room or urgent care clinic.

What should you look for in an Emergency Room Nurse resume?

The first thing to check is that the applicant has an RN license, which is an essential requirement for the job. Evidence of a solid understanding of emergency medical procedures and several years of experience in patient care is also important. Look for examples of how a candidate works under pressure, collaborates with other healthcare professionals, and communicates with patients.

Does an Emergency Room Nurse need to be registered in a specific province?

Yes, Emergency Room Nurses must be registered in the specific province they work in. Ensure applicants have an up-to-date RN license that is valid for the province your organization is located in before you extend a job offer. Since administration times to receive licensure may vary, this can help you ensure the candidate you hire can legally perform their duties on their designated start date.

Job Description Examples

Need help writing a job description for a specific role? Use these job description examples to create your next great job posting. Or if you’re ready to hire, post your job on Indeed.

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