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.
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