What is an ER Nurse? (2024)

FAQs

What is an ER Nurse? ›

An ER nurse is a nurse that works specifically in the emergency room. They treat patients who are facing traumatic or severe, often life-threatening medical conditions.

ER Nurse Responsibilities

Perform procedures and initiate treatments. Clean wounds and apply sutures. Draw blood, start intravenous lines and administer medications. Maintain patient records and collaborate with the health team.

An ER nurse works with patients who need immediate triage and treatment. ER nurses are registered nurses, but they may have received additional specialized training that allows them to fulfill the many responsibilities that come with working in the ER.

While ER nurses stabilize patients, ICU nurses work to treat and transfer critically ill patients to step-down units. ICU patients often require more specialized care than ER patients. Find out the differences and similarities between ER nurses vs. ICU nurses.

Stitches. There is some variability by state as to whether a registered nurse can place stitches. Generally, suturing a wound closed is considered to be a “minor surgical procedure.” As such, it is not within the purview of most nurses. But advanced practice nurses and emergency room RNs can sometimes place stitches.

According to Medscape's 2023 APRN Compensation Report, CRNAs earn, on average, $235,000 annually, making it the highest-paid nursing profession.

Survey results suggest that emergency/trauma/transport nurses are younger than the general nursing population. Specifically, ETTS data indicate that the average age is 43.6, the median age is 42, and 31.7% of emergency/trauma/transport nurses are 50+ years old.

Emergency Department nurses have a reputation for being overly aggressive and strong-headed is another nursing stereotype. They are placed into a working environment where they have to be “on” at all times without any warning for what will be their next patient.

Emergency room nurses are called a number of different names, including ER nurses, trauma nurses, and critical care nurses.

Hospital nursing and nursing home care are common types of bedside nursing. In hospitals, bedside nurses may work in certain departments, such as trauma, surgery, and emergency.

Is ER nursing worth it? ›

The Best Parts of Being an ER Nurse

ER nurses can even save lives. You don't get more meaningful than that. No two shifts in the ER are the same. As an ER nurse, you'll always be seeing something new, which means you'll regularly face new challenges and get to take on new tasks.

What is the typical work schedule for an emergency room nurse in terms of shifts per week? Most typically, you get 3 12-hour shifts per week.

While doctors and specialists may perform emergency surgeries, nurses are typically the first to see a patient. ER nurses must be capable of assessing a dire situation quickly and making the right decision. They may also be tasked with managing triage, ensuring the most critically affected patients receive care first.

An ER nurse is one of the first responders when a patient is admitted to the emergency room. While doctors and specialists may perform emergency surgeries, nurses are typically the first to see a patient. ER nurses must be capable of assessing a dire situation quickly and making the right decision.

Sample ER Nurse Resume Objectives

Confident, team-oriented nursing professional seeks position as ER Nurse with ABC hospital that utilizes skills in critical assessment, communication and organization to elevate patient care and contribute to performance of Emergency Department.

The charge nurse is the captain of the ship in the emergency department. They are responsible for staffing, patient assignments, throughput, communication with the ED providers and nursing leadership, and much, much more.