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What does an ER Nurse do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 2 min read

An ER nurse is responsible for providing care to patients who have been admitted to the emergency room. They are responsible for assessing the patient's condition, providing treatment and medications, and monitoring the patient's progress.

ER Nurse job duties include:

  • Assess patients' conditions and administer care accordingly
  • Work with doctors and other nurses to develop and implement treatment plans
  • Monitor patients' vital signs and administer medications as needed
  • Perform diagnostic tests, such as X-rays and blood work
  • Assist with surgeries and other medical procedures
  • Counsel patients and their families on health-related matters
  • Keep accurate patient records
  • Maintain clean and organized work areas
  • Collaborate with other members of the healthcare team

ER Nurse Job Requirements

An ER Nurse must have a minimum of an Associate's Degree in Nursing, although many nurses choose to pursue a Bachelor's or Master's Degree. In addition to education, ER Nurses must be licensed in the state in which they practice. Many hospitals require certification in Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS). Experience is also important for ER Nurses, as they must be able to handle the fast pace and high stress of the emergency room.

ER Nurse Skills

  • Multitasking
  • Critical thinking
  • Problem solving
  • Active listening
  • Written and verbal communication
  • Teamwork
  • Empathy
  • Stress management
  • Emotional intelligence
  • Physical stamina
  • Attention to detail

Related: Top ER Nurse Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become an ER Nurse

There are many steps to becoming an ER nurse. The first step is to obtain a nursing degree from an accredited nursing program. Once you have obtained your degree, you will need to pass the NCLEX-RN exam in order to obtain your nursing license. After you have obtained your nursing license, you will need to complete a hospital-based training program in order to become certified as an ER nurse.

Related: ER Nurse Resume Example

Related: ER Nurse Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

Photo of Brenna Goyette, Editor

Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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