Top 12 ER RN Skills to Put on Your Resume

In the fast-paced and demanding environment of emergency rooms, ER nurses need a unique set of skills to excel and provide the best patient care. Highlighting these top skills on your resume can significantly enhance your job application, making you stand out as a competent and compassionate ER RN to potential employers.

ER RN Skills

1. Triage
2. ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support)
3. PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support)
4. TNCC (Trauma Nursing Core Course)
5. EKG Interpretation
6. IV Insertion
7. Epic (Electronic Health Records)
8. Cerner (Electronic Health Records)
9. Phlebotomy
10. Ventilator Management
11. Wound Care
12. BLS (Basic Life Support)

1. Triage

Triage in an ER (Emergency Room) setting involves a nurse quickly assessing patients' conditions upon arrival to determine their severity of illness or injury, thereby prioritizing who needs urgent medical attention first.

Why It's Important

Triage is crucial for an ER RN as it prioritizes patient care based on the severity of their conditions, ensuring those who need immediate attention receive it first, thereby optimizing outcomes and managing resources effectively in emergency settings.

How to Improve Triage Skills

Improving triage efficiency and effectiveness for an Emergency Room (ER) nurse involves several key strategies:

1. Enhance Triage Training: Ensure all ER nurses undergo comprehensive, ongoing triage training focusing on quick and accurate patient assessment. The Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) offers resources and courses on triage.

2. Adopt Triage Protocols: Utilize standardized triage protocols, such as the Emergency Severity Index (ESI), to ensure consistency and accuracy in patient assessment. Learn more about ESI through the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ).

3. Leverage Technology: Implement triage software and decision support tools to aid in patient assessment and prioritize care effectively. Explore options for triage technology through healthcare IT reviews.

4. Improve Communication: Foster clear and effective communication between triage nurses and the rest of the ER team to ensure timely patient care. The Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) offers resources on improving healthcare communication.

5. Gather Feedback: Regularly collect feedback from patients and staff about the triage process to identify areas for improvement.

By focusing on these areas, ER nurses can significantly enhance the triage process, leading to improved patient outcomes and more efficient emergency care.

How to Display Triage Skills on Your Resume

2. ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support)

ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support) is a set of clinical interventions for the urgent treatment of cardiac arrest, stroke, myocardial infarction, and other life-threatening cardiovascular emergencies, providing the knowledge and skills needed for an ER RN to assess and manage these conditions effectively.

Why It's Important

ACLS is crucial for an Emergency Room Nurse (ER RN) as it provides them with the advanced skills and knowledge necessary to respond effectively to life-threatening cardiac emergencies, ensuring timely and appropriate interventions to save lives.

How to Improve ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support) Skills

Improving your Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) skills as an Emergency Room (ER) Nurse involves both theoretical knowledge and practical application. Here's a concise guide:

1. Update Your Knowledge: Regularly review the latest ACLS guidelines from the American Heart Association (AHA) to stay current with any changes or new protocols.

2. Practice Simulations: Engage in simulation-based training to refine your decision-making skills and practical application in a controlled, risk-free environment.

3. Attend Refresher Courses: Enroll in ACLS refresher courses offered by accredited organizations like the American Red Cross or AHA to reinforce your skills and knowledge.

4. Master ECG Interpretation: Improve your ability to quickly and accurately interpret ECGs by utilizing resources such as ECG Learning Center for guided tutorials and practice.

5. Enhance Team Communication: Work on communication and teamwork skills crucial for ACLS scenarios by incorporating tools and strategies from sources like TeamSTEPPS, a teamwork system designed for healthcare professionals.

6. Stay Physically Prepared: ACLS can be physically demanding. Maintain a good level of physical fitness to ensure you can perform CPR and other life-saving measures effectively.

7. Utilize Mobile Apps: Leverage ACLS-related mobile apps for quick reference and practice quizzes. Apps like PulsePoint Respond can also keep you informed about emergencies nearby where your skills might be needed.

By combining these strategies, ER nurses can enhance their ACLS capabilities, ensuring they are prepared to provide the best possible care in critical situations.

How to Display ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support) Skills on Your Resume

3. PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support)

PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) is a certification program for healthcare providers, specifically tailored for those working in emergency settings like ER nurses. It equips them with the knowledge and skills necessary to respond to critical situations involving pediatric patients, focusing on advanced resuscitation techniques and life-saving interventions.

Why It's Important

PALS is crucial for an ER RN as it equips them with the specialized skills and knowledge needed to rapidly assess, diagnose, and treat critically ill infants and children, enhancing their chances of survival and recovery in emergency situations.

How to Improve PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) Skills

To improve your Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) skills as an Emergency Room (ER) Nurse, focus on the following concise strategies:

1. Continuous Education: Stay updated with the latest American Heart Association guidelines for PALS to ensure your knowledge and skills are current.

2. Hands-On Practice: Regularly participate in PALS simulation training to enhance your practical skills and confidence in real-life scenarios.

3. Peer Learning: Engage in study groups or peer review sessions to share knowledge and learn from the experiences of fellow ER nurses.

4. Feedback and Reflection: After real-life PALS situations or simulations, seek feedback and reflect on your performance to identify areas for improvement.

5. Maintain Certification: Ensure your PALS certification is always current by scheduling re-certification courses well in advance of expiration.

By focusing on these areas, you can enhance your PALS capabilities, ultimately improving patient care outcomes in pediatric emergencies.

How to Display PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) Skills on Your Resume

4. TNCC (Trauma Nursing Core Course)

The Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC) is a comprehensive training program designed specifically for emergency room (ER) nurses. It equips them with the knowledge, skills, and critical thinking abilities necessary to provide expert care for trauma patients.

Why It's Important

The Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC) is crucial for ER RNs as it provides them with the essential knowledge and skills needed to deliver effective, evidence-based care to trauma patients, improving patient outcomes in emergency situations.

How to Improve TNCC (Trauma Nursing Core Course) Skills

To improve your skills in the Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC) as an Emergency Room (ER) RN, follow these concise steps:

1. Engage in Active Learning: Participate in hands-on workshops and simulation activities. The Emergency Nurses Association (ENA) offers various resources and courses for practical experience.

2. Stay Updated: Regularly review the latest TNCC manual and updates from the ENA to ensure your knowledge is current.

3. Practice Assessment Skills: Improve your rapid assessment skills through practice scenarios. Online platforms like Nurse.com offer case studies and simulations.

4. Seek Mentorship: Find a mentor experienced in trauma nursing. Peer learning can provide insights and practical tips not found in textbooks.

5. Join Professional Networks: Become active in forums and groups such as the ENA to exchange knowledge and experiences with peers.

6. Utilize Online Resources: Access educational materials and courses on platforms like Coursera and Khan Academy for broader medical knowledge that complements TNCC skills.

7. Reflect on Experiences: After each trauma case, reflect on what went well and what could be improved. This reflective practice solidifies learning and identifies areas for growth.

Incorporating these steps into your professional development plan will enhance your proficiency in TNCC, ultimately benefiting patient care in the ER setting.

How to Display TNCC (Trauma Nursing Core Course) Skills on Your Resume

5. EKG Interpretation

EKG interpretation for an ER RN involves quickly analyzing the heart's electrical activity through an electrocardiogram to identify any abnormalities such as arrhythmias, ischemia, or infarction, crucial for prompt and appropriate patient management in emergency settings.

Why It's Important

EKG interpretation is crucial for an ER RN as it enables rapid identification of life-threatening cardiac conditions, guiding immediate and appropriate interventions to prevent complications and save lives.

How to Improve EKG Interpretation Skills

Improving EKG interpretation skills, especially for an ER RN, involves a blend of theoretical study, practical application, and continuous practice. Here are concise steps with resources for enhancing your EKG interpretation capabilities:

1. Understand the Basics: Grasp the fundamentals of EKG components (P wave, QRS complex, T wave) and their normal values. Life in the Fastlane offers a comprehensive guide on EKG basics.

2. Learn Systematically: Adopt a systematic approach to reading EKGs: rate, rhythm, axis, P wave, PR interval, QRS complex, and ST segment. The American Heart Association provides guidelines and recommendations.

3. Practice Regularly: Engage in daily practice with a variety of EKGs to recognize patterns. Websites like ECG Wave-Maven from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center offer a vast array of practice EKGs with explanations.

4. Use Simulation Tools: Employ online simulation tools to mimic real-life scenarios. SkillStat's ECG Simulator is a great tool for practice.

5. Participate in Workshops/Courses: Enroll in EKG interpretation workshops or online courses for healthcare professionals. Medmastery and ECG Academy offer courses ranging from beginner to advanced levels.

6. Stay Updated: Medicine is always evolving. Follow reputable medical journals or websites for the latest in EKG interpretation. Journal of Electrocardiology is a good resource.

By combining these strategies with dedication and regular practice, you'll significantly improve your EKG interpretation skills.

How to Display EKG Interpretation Skills on Your Resume

6. IV Insertion

IV insertion is the procedure a nurse performs to place a catheter inside a vein to provide venous access for fluid and medication administration, blood draws, and other treatments as needed in emergency care.

Why It's Important

IV insertion is crucial for an ER RN as it enables immediate access to a patient's bloodstream for administering medications, fluids, and blood products, facilitating rapid treatment and stabilization in emergency situations.

How to Improve IV Insertion Skills

Improving IV insertion skills, especially for an ER RN, requires practice, understanding vein anatomy, and utilizing various techniques. Here are concise steps and resources to help:

1. Review Anatomy: Understand the anatomy of the veins. This guide provides an overview of the vascular system relevant to IV insertion.

2. Select the Right Equipment: Choose the appropriate catheter size and type based on the patient’s vein size and the purpose of the IV. Here’s a selection guide.

3. Vein Visualization Techniques: Use vein visualization techniques such as applying a warm compress, using a tourniquet, or employing vein finders for difficult cases. Vein Visualization Technology discusses advancements in this area.

4. Practice: Practice makes perfect. Utilize simulation labs if available and seek opportunities for supervised practice. Simulation in Nursing Practice discusses the impact of simulation on skill acquisition.

5. Learn from Each Attempt: Reflect on what worked and what didn’t after each attempt. Adjust your technique accordingly.

6. Stay Informed: Keep up to date with the latest techniques and recommendations. The Infusion Nurses Society (INS) offers resources and guidelines on IV therapy.

Improving your IV insertion technique is an ongoing process that benefits from continuous learning, practice, and adaptation to individual patient needs.

How to Display IV Insertion Skills on Your Resume

7. Epic (Electronic Health Records)

Epic is a widely used electronic health records (EHR) system that enables ER nurses to document, manage, and access patient information in real-time, supporting efficient and coordinated care in emergency settings.

Why It's Important

Epic, as an Electronic Health Records (EHR) system, is crucial for an Emergency Room (ER) Nurse because it enables quick access to a patient's comprehensive medical history, facilitates efficient and accurate documentation of care, enhances communication among healthcare professionals, and supports decision-making for timely and effective patient treatment.

How to Improve Epic (Electronic Health Records) Skills

Improving your proficiency with Epic, the Electronic Health Records (EHR) system, as an ER RN involves a few focused strategies aimed at enhancing efficiency and ensuring accurate patient documentation:

1. Utilize Epic's Training Resources: Engage with Epic's online tutorials and learning modules specifically designed for various roles and functionalities.

2. Customize Your Workspace: Tailor Epic's interface to suit your workflow. This includes setting up SmartPhrases, SmartLists, and shortcuts for common tasks and documentation needs.

3. Practice Regularly: Consistent use and exploration of the system during quieter shifts can build familiarity and speed, translating to better performance during busy periods.

4. Join Epic User Forums: Participate in Epic UserWeb forums to exchange tips, tricks, and advice with other Epic users across different healthcare settings.

5. Feedback Loop: Actively provide feedback to your IT department or Epic superusers in your facility about challenges or suggestions for system improvement, which can lead to tailored training or system adjustments.

By focusing on these strategies, ER RNs can enhance their efficiency and effectiveness in using Epic, leading to better patient care and documentation.

How to Display Epic (Electronic Health Records) Skills on Your Resume

8. Cerner (Electronic Health Records)

Cerner is a comprehensive electronic health records (EHR) system that provides emergency room nurses (ER RNs) with digital tools for patient information management, including medical histories, lab results, medication orders, and real-time documentation, to enhance patient care and streamline workflows in emergency settings.

Why It's Important

Cerner's Electronic Health Records (EHR) system is crucial for an Emergency Room (ER) Registered Nurse (RN) as it facilitates efficient access to patients' comprehensive medical histories, streamlines documentation, improves accuracy in medication administration, and enhances communication among healthcare providers, leading to improved patient care and safety.

How to Improve Cerner (Electronic Health Records) Skills

Improving your efficiency with Cerner as an Emergency Room (ER) nurse involves mastering a few key strategies:

1. Learn Keyboard Shortcuts: Familiarize yourself with Cerner's keyboard shortcuts to navigate and enter data more quickly. Cerner Keyboard Shortcuts Guide.

2. Customize Your View: Tailor Cerner's display settings and templates to your workflow to save time. This might include setting up your most used functions for easier access. Cerner Personalization Guide.

3. Use Auto Text and Macros: Create or use existing macros and auto-text for common phrases or notes to reduce repetitive typing. Cerner PowerChart Tips.

4. Stay Updated: Regularly check for any updates or training sessions offered by your institution or Cerner, as new features or shortcuts could be added. Cerner Learning Services.

5. Leverage Mobile Apps: If available, use Cerner's mobile applications for quick access to patient data and alerts, ensuring you're always informed, even on the go. Cerner Mobile Solutions.

By integrating these practices, you can streamline your workflow and enhance patient care.

How to Display Cerner (Electronic Health Records) Skills on Your Resume

9. Phlebotomy

Phlebotomy is the process of making an incision in a vein with a needle to collect blood samples for testing, transfusions, research, or medical treatments, commonly performed by healthcare professionals, including ER nurses, for diagnostic purposes.

Why It's Important

Phlebotomy is crucial for an ER RN because it enables the rapid collection of blood samples for testing, aiding in the quick diagnosis and treatment of patients, thus improving outcomes in emergency care settings.

How to Improve Phlebotomy Skills

Improving phlebotomy skills, especially for an Emergency Room (ER) Registered Nurse (RN), focuses on enhancing accuracy, efficiency, and patient comfort. Here's a concise guide:

1. Practice: Regularly practice on simulation models. More hands-on experience leads to better technique and confidence. Phlebotomy Coach offers practice tips and techniques.

2. Stay Updated: Keep up with the latest phlebotomy guidelines and techniques through continuing education courses. The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) provides resources and certification information.

3. Patient Communication: Effective communication eases patient anxiety, making the process smoother. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlight the importance of communication in phlebotomy best practices.

4. Proper Equipment Use: Familiarize yourself with different types of needles and collection tubes. The National Phlebotomy Association (NPA) provides insights on equipment and techniques.

5. Peer Feedback: Seek feedback from more experienced colleagues on technique and patient interaction. Peer review is a powerful tool for improvement.

6. Self-Care: Ensure you’re physically and mentally prepared for the task. Proper posture, hand strength exercises, and stress management can improve performance.

By focusing on these areas, ER RNs can enhance their phlebotomy skills, contributing to better patient outcomes and more efficient care delivery.

How to Display Phlebotomy Skills on Your Resume

10. Ventilator Management

Ventilator management for an ER RN involves the initial setting, continuous monitoring, and adjusting of mechanical ventilation parameters to ensure optimal respiratory support for patients with compromised breathing, while assessing for potential complications and coordinating care with the respiratory therapy and critical care team.

Why It's Important

Ventilator management is crucial for an ER RN as it ensures the appropriate delivery of life-sustaining oxygen and ventilation to critically ill patients, optimizing respiratory function while minimizing potential complications such as lung injury or infection.

How to Improve Ventilator Management Skills

Improving ventilator management, especially for an Emergency Room (ER) Registered Nurse (RN), involves a combination of staying informed on the latest guidelines, familiarizing oneself with the specific equipment used in your facility, and continuous education. Here’s a very short and concise guide:

1. Understand Ventilator Settings: Know the basic ventilator modes (e.g., Assist-Control, Synchronized Intermittent Mandatory Ventilation) and how to adjust settings based on patient needs. American Association for Respiratory Care provides resources and guidelines.

2. Monitor Patient-Ventilator Synchrony: Regularly assess for signs of distress or asynchrony. Adjust ventilator settings or seek help if issues arise. The Society of Critical Care Medicine offers educational resources on patient care and mechanical ventilation.

3. Stay Updated on Protocols: Follow the latest evidence-based protocols for ventilator management, such as the ARDS Network protocols for lung-protective ventilation. The National Institutes of Health often publishes relevant studies and guidelines.

4. Engage in Continuous Education: Participate in workshops, simulations, and online courses to stay skilled in ventilator management. Websites like MedEdPortal offer peer-reviewed education resources.

5. Practice Interdisciplinary Communication: Work closely with respiratory therapists and physicians to optimize ventilator settings and patient outcomes. Effective communication is key to managing complex cases.

By focusing on these areas, an ER RN can significantly improve their proficiency in ventilator management, leading to better patient outcomes.

How to Display Ventilator Management Skills on Your Resume

11. Wound Care

Wound care involves the assessment, cleaning, dressing, and monitoring of wounds to promote healing, prevent infection, and minimize scarring, tailored to the specific type and severity of the wound.

Why It's Important

Wound care is crucial for preventing infections, promoting faster healing, and minimizing scarring, directly impacting patient recovery outcomes and overall hospital stay duration. For an ER RN, it's essential for ensuring immediate patient safety and preventing complications.

How to Improve Wound Care Skills

Improving wound care, especially in an ER setting, involves a comprehensive approach that focuses on efficient assessment, proper cleaning, and effective dressing of wounds, along with patient education. Here are concise steps and resources for an ER RN:

1. Assessment: Quickly and accurately assess the wound to determine the type, depth, and extent of injury. This involves examining for foreign bodies and signs of infection. Wound Assessment Guidelines

2. Cleaning: Use sterile saline or water to gently clean the wound, removing debris and contaminants. This step reduces the risk of infection. Proper Wound Cleaning

3. Dressing: Choose an appropriate dressing based on the wound type, location, and exudate levels. Dressings can range from simple gauze to advanced options like hydrocolloids or alginates. Choosing the Right Wound Dressing

4. Infection Prevention: Apply antibiotic ointment if necessary and educate the patient on signs of infection to monitor. Infection Control in Wounds

5. Pain Management: Provide or recommend analgesics if needed and educate the patient on managing pain during the healing process. Pain Management in Wound Care

6. Patient Education: Educate patients on how to care for their wound at home, including dressing changes, monitoring for signs of infection, and when to seek further medical attention. Patient Education on Wound Care

7. Follow-Up: Ensure a follow-up plan is in place for wound assessment and ongoing care, if necessary.

By following these steps and utilizing these resources, ER RNs can significantly improve wound care outcomes.

How to Display Wound Care Skills on Your Resume

12. BLS (Basic Life Support)

BLS (Basic Life Support) is a level of medical care used for victims of life-threatening illnesses or injuries until they can be given full medical care at a hospital. For an ER RN, it involves skills such as performing CPR, using an AED, and managing airway obstruction to maintain a patient's vital functions until advanced care is available.

Why It's Important

BLS (Basic Life Support) is crucial for an ER RN (Emergency Room Registered Nurse) as it provides the foundational skills necessary to promptly recognize and respond to life-threatening emergencies, ensuring immediate care that can significantly improve patient survival and outcomes.

How to Improve BLS (Basic Life Support) Skills

To improve Basic Life Support (BLS) skills as an Emergency Room (ER) nurse, focus on regular practice and staying updated with the latest guidelines. Here’s a concise guide:

1. Refresh Your Knowledge Routinely: Annually review American Heart Association (AHA) BLS guidelines to ensure you’re aware of the latest procedures and techniques.

2. Participate in Simulations: Engage in simulation-based training to mimic real-life scenarios, enhancing decision-making skills under pressure.

3. Utilize Online Resources: Access online courses and training videos from reputable sources like the AHA or Resuscitation Council UK for learning and refreshers.

4. Peer Learning: Practice with colleagues to share knowledge, skills, and feedback, strengthening teamwork in critical situations.

5. Stay Physically Prepared: BLS can be physically demanding. Maintain a good level of physical fitness to perform CPR effectively over extended periods.

6. Review Equipment Use: Regularly check and familiarize yourself with the BLS equipment available in your ER to ensure confidence in using them during emergencies.

Focusing on these aspects can significantly enhance your BLS capabilities, ensuring you provide the best care possible during critical moments.

How to Display BLS (Basic Life Support) Skills on Your Resume