Position Summary The Emergency Department Registered Nurse (RN) provides direct and comprehensive nursing care to patients presenting with urgent, emergent, and critical conditions at West Ascension Parish Hospital (WAPH), a designated Critical Access Hospital. The ED RN performs triage, assessment, treatment, stabilization, and coordination of patient care in accordance with hospital policies, state and federal regulations, and The Joint Commission standards. Essential Duties and Responsibilities 1. Perform triage and initial patient assessment using evidence-based protocols to prioritize care. 2. Provide nursing care for patients of all ages presenting with emergency, urgent, and trauma-related conditions. 3. Administer medications, IV therapy, blood products, and emergency interventions per physician orders and standing protocols. 4. Operate and monitor emergency equipment, including cardiac monitors, defibrillators, IV pumps, and oxygen delivery systems. 5. Collaborate with physicians, advanced practice providers, and interdisciplinary team members to ensure timely and appropriate patient care. 6. Document nursing assessments, interventions, and patient responses accurately in the electronic medical record (AthenaHealth or hospital EMR system). 7. Maintain infection prevention, patient safety, and HIPAA standards. 8. Assist with rapid response, code blue, trauma activations, and patient transfers. 9. Coordinate with EMS and external facilities for incoming and outgoing patient transfers. 10. Provide patient and family education on treatment, discharge instructions, and follow-up care. 11. Participate in departmental quality improvement projects and maintain readiness for CMS and Joint Commission survey compliance. 12. Support hospital-wide initiatives, including disaster preparedness and emergency response drills. Qualifications Graduate of an accredited School of Nursing required; BSN preferred. Current licensure as a Registered Nurse (RN) in the State of Louisiana. Minimum of one (1) year acute care experience required, emergency nursing experience preferred. Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) required (or obtained within 6 months). Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) required (or obtained within 6 months). Basic Life Support (BLS) required. Strong clinical assessment and critical thinking skills. Effective communication and teamwork skills in high-pressure environments. Familiarity with CMS Conditions of Participation for Critical Access Hospitals and emergency nursing standards. Requirements Maintain Louisiana RN license and required certifications (ACLS, PALS, BLS). Complete hospital orientation and annual competencies (HIPAA, infection prevention, safety, emergency codes). Participate in ED on-call and weekend/holiday rotation schedules. Demonstrate ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Adhere to WAPH policies, dress code, and standards of professional conduct. Participate in continuing education and emergency preparedness drills as required. Working Conditions Hospital-based environment within the Emergency Department. Frequent exposure to critically ill and trauma patients, infectious diseases, blood and body fluids, and hazardous materials. Requires standing, walking, lifting, and moving patients and equipment. PPE and adherence to safety standards are required.