Travel Nurse RN - ED - Emergency Department
Devils Lake, North Dakota
CHI St.Alexius Health Devils Lake Hospital

ACLS

PALS

NIHSS

Common diagnoses/Types of patients: Diverse patient population with various medical needs. Acute illness, severe injuries, chest pain/ACI, respiratory distress (asthma/COPD), neurological such as stroke, seizure, TBI. Allergic reactions, infectious diseases, intoxication/polysubstance use, psychiatric emergencies such as SI and other acute mental health issues. Traumas- stabbings, shootings, fractures, burns, domestic injuries.

Experience or 'Must have' skills: RNs need to be able to mix their own medications & must be able to assist with respiratory meds/equipment/intubation. TNK etc. 2 years of experience. Prefer previous travel experience, but will consider if strong otherwise.

Weekend Requirements: 2 out of 6 weekend requirement

Holiday Requirements: yes, will consider RTO if given ahead of time.

Is there call or a standby requirement? no call, OT opportunity if needed.

Do you have a Fast Track?: No

Do you have a separate Triage area? If so, do you allow/require travelers to do Triage? No separate triage area, travelers will triage patients.

Do you have a separate holding area in the ER? No separate area, but do have ER holds- intermixed, transfer out most critical patients to higher level of care.

Do you have separate Psych/seclusion rooms? No

Is Security in-house 24/7? Housed in the ER? No, 911 if needed. Local police will respond; will also arrive with any known mental health or behavioral patients.

On average, how many patients do you treat in the ER/day? 8-25 patients per day

Nurse:Patient Ratios: Based on many factors, 1:4 for stable patients, 1:1 or 1:2 for critically ill patients. Staffing level may dynamically adjust based on the influx of patients and their acuity.

Common drips: Insulin, Heparin, Levofed, Cardizem, Amiodarone, Propofol

ED Physician &/or Mid-Levels staffed? 1 on staff 24/7. MD or NP/PA - must physically be in the building/near the department at all times. Second provider from 11a-11p daily.

Is there a Charge Nurse on each shift? Coordinator- to assist with traumas, critical patients.

Are there nurse aids/EMT/Paramedics/Patient Sitters? Full time tech from 11a-11p daily. Float CNA available 11p-11a.

Is RT in the ER 24/7? RT is available by call 24/7, 6a-6p in house. RNs need to be able to assist with respiratory meds/equipment/intubation

RT Equipment: Bipap, Vent, Glidescope, Heated high flow, bubble c-pap

RNs required to read their own strips? RNs must read and interpret

X-Ray or CT in the ER? Full Radiology department adjacent to ED. X-ray, CT, MRI, Nuc Med, Ultrasound

Does Phlebotomy draw labs or RNs draw? RN’s are able to draw blood from IV start, if indicated. Lab staff will help or do the draws if onsite and available.

How many shifts of unit/department specific orientation? 2 days, minimum

Floating Requirements: Based on staffing needs and skill set. Common areas ER staff might float to: Medical Surgical unit to assist in certain procedures/codes. Can be support staff in behavioral patients 1:1

Scrub Color: Any color scrubs

Attributes that help make a nurse successful in this department: critical thinking skills, effective communication, adaptability, teamwork and collaboration, empathy and compassion, clinical competence, time management, professionalism