How to Be Emergency Room Nurse - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jul 17, 2021 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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When an emergency room nurse is on duty, they are responsible for providing vital medical care to those who need it most. As ER nurses, they must be able to assess and triage patients quickly and efficiently in order to provide the best patient care possible. This often involves administering treatments, drawing blood, taking vital signs, and providing emotional support.

The importance of an ER nurses job cannot be understated, as their ability to respond quickly in times of crisis can literally mean the difference between life and death for their patients. The effects of their work are far-reaching; not only do they provide life-saving care, but they also offer comfort and support to those in need.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a High School Diploma or GED. Most employers of emergency room nurses require a high school diploma or GED.
Earn an Associates Degree in Nursing. Most Emergency Room Nurses start with an Associates Degree in Nursing (ADN). This is the minimum requirement for becoming a registered nurse.
Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam. After earning your Associates Degree in Nursing, you must pass the NCLEX-RN exam in order to become licensed as a registered nurse.
Earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). Many employers prefer to hire nurses with a BSN. In addition to taking courses in nursing, you will take courses in biology, anatomy, and psychology.
Obtain Work Experience. You will need to gain experience working in an emergency room setting before you can become an emergency room nurse. Consider working as a certified nursing assistant or Licensed Practical Nurse in an emergency room before pursuing a position as an emergency room nurse.
Obtain Certification. You may choose to become certified in emergency nursing through the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN). This certification is voluntary and will demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to the field.
Consider Advanced Degrees. Advanced degrees such as a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) can help you advance your career. With an advanced degree, you can pursue roles such as a nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, or nurse executive.

The quality of healthcare that patients receive in a hospital emergency room is largely dependent upon the skill and capabilities of the emergency room nurse. To be a successful emergency room nurse, they must be highly trained in critical care medicine, possess excellent assessment, communication, and problem-solving skills, and be able to quickly respond to changing conditions. Emergency room nurses must be able to recognize life-threatening medical conditions and prioritize appropriate treatments.

They must be able to administer medications, perform diagnostic tests, and provide emotional support to patients who are under immense physical and mental stress. Their technical skills, along with their compassionate and caring attitude, help ensure that patients receive the best care possible.

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Job Description

Monitor patient vital signs and administer basic medical treatments to stabilize acute medical conditions.
Perform initial assessments, document patient information, and provide patient education.
Administer prescribed medications and prepare and administer intravenous (IV) medications.
Provide trauma care, including the administration of emergency treatments, such as intubation, resuscitation and stabilization of critical patients.
Administer oxygen or other therapeutic agents as needed.
Operate specialized equipment, such as cardiac monitors, defibrillators, ventilators, and infusion pumps.
Respond to code blue emergencies.
Utilize electronic health records (EHR) to record and track patient information.
Maintain a safe and clean environment in the emergency department.
Collaborate with physicians and other healthcare staff to ensure optimal patient care.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Ability to respond quickly in a crisis situation.
Ability to assess and evaluate patient condition.
Knowledge of advanced life support protocols.
Knowledge of emergency room procedures and treatments.
Ability to communicate effectively with patients, families, and colleagues.
Ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple cases simultaneously.
Ability to make decisions and take appropriate action.
Skilled in the use of medical equipment and technology.
Knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology related to emergency care.
Knowledge of infection control practices and standards.
Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.
Ability to maintain professional and ethical standards in patient care.

Being an Emergency Room Nurse requires a unique set of skills, the most important of which is the ability to think quickly and make decisions under pressure. This is because the job of an Emergency Room Nurse entails providing life-saving medical care for patients at the very moment when their lives are in danger. In order to do this, nurses must be able to assess a patient's condition accurately, provide appropriate treatment and medication, and manage the patient's symptoms until the patient can be transferred to a more suitable medical facility.

They must also be able to work well with other medical personnel, such as doctors, paramedics, and other nurses, to coordinate the best possible care for the patient. Furthermore, Emergency Room Nurses must possess excellent communication skills in order to calmly explain their observations and treatment plans to patients and their families. it is the ability to think quickly and make informed decisions that allows Emergency Room Nurses to provide the highest level of care for their patients in dire situations.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working in an Emergency Room setting?
How do you handle multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment?
What would you do if a patient's condition suddenly worsened?
How do you handle difficult or stressful situations in the ER?
What steps do you take to ensure patient safety and quality care?
How do you handle patient complaints or concerns in the ER?
In what ways do you collaborate with other nurses and doctors in the Emergency Room?
What strategies do you use to stay organized and efficient in the Emergency Room?
How would you respond if a patient was not following instructions?
What do you think is the most important skill for an Emergency Room Nurse?

Common Tools in Industry

Electronic Medical Records Software. Allows nurses to document patient information, such as medical history and test results, quickly and accurately. (eg: Epic)
Vital Sign Monitors. Monitors a patient's vital signs, such as temperature, heart rate, and respiration. (eg: Philips Monitoring Solutions)
Medication Management Software. Tracks a patient's medications and helps nurses ensure they are administering the correct dosage. (eg: Cerner FirstNet)
Communication Systems. Allows nurses to quickly and easily communicate with other healthcare professionals. (eg: Voalte)
Intravenous Therapy Equipment. Allows nurses to deliver fluids and medications intravenously to patients. (eg: Baxter InfusOR Pump)
Defibrillators. Used to restart a patient's heart in the case of cardiac arrest. (eg: Philips HeartStart Defibrillator)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN)
American Nurses Association (ANA)
Emergency Nurses Association (ENA)
International Association for Healthcare Security and Safety (IAHSS)
National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT)
Society of Emergency Medicine Physician Assistants (SEMPA)
National Association of Emergency Medical Services Physicians (NAEMSP)
American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP)
National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)
Emergency Nurses Pediatric Course (ENPC)

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Common Important Terms

Emergency Department (ED). A department in a hospital which provides treatment to patients with urgent medical issues.
Trauma Nurse. A nurse who specializes in caring for patients with traumatic injuries.
Critical Care Nurse. A nurse who provides specialized care to critically ill or injured patients and their families.
Triage Nurse. A nurse who assesses patients upon arrival in the ED and determines the order of treatment based on the severity of their condition.
Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS). A system of medical protocols and procedures used to treat life-threatening cardiac emergencies.
Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS). A system of medical protocols and procedures used to treat life-threatening trauma emergencies.
Preceptorship. A structured training program in which experienced nurses mentor and train new nurses in the ED.

Frequently Asked Questions

What percentage of nurses in emergency medicine are certified?

According to the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses, approximately 35% of nurses in emergency medicine have board certification in emergency nursing.

What types of medical emergencies do emergency room nurses typically handle?

Emergency room nurses typically handle a wide range of medical emergencies including traumatic injuries, cardiac arrests, stroke, respiratory distress, allergic reactions, infections, and more.

What qualifications are needed to become an emergency room nurse?

To become an emergency room nurse, individuals must possess a valid state nursing license, a minimum of an associate degree or bachelors degree in nursing, and specialized training in emergency care.