The duties performed by a registered nurse in the emergency room setting encompass a wide range of critical tasks aimed at providing immediate care to patients experiencing acute illnesses or injuries. These actions include rapid assessment of patient conditions, prioritizing care based on severity, administering medications and treatments, and assisting physicians with procedures. For example, an emergency room nurse might assess a trauma patient, start an intravenous line, administer pain medication as prescribed, and prepare the patient for a computed tomography (CT) scan.
Effective execution of these duties is vital for positive patient outcomes and the smooth operation of a high-pressure medical environment. The ability to quickly and accurately assess a patient’s condition, implement appropriate interventions, and communicate effectively with the care team contributes directly to reduced morbidity and mortality. Historically, the development of specialized emergency nursing roles has significantly improved the quality and efficiency of emergency medical care.
