Emergency Room Nurse To-Do Checklist &
Guide
Daily Responsibilities of an ER Nurse
1. Triage Patients (Prioritize Care)
• Assess the urgency of patients' conditions upon arrival.
• Use the triage system to determine who needs immediate care.
• Check vital signs (blood pressure, pulse, oxygen levels).
Tip: Always ask, “Is this life-threatening?” and act accordingly.
2. Quickly Stabilize Patients
• Administer emergency interventions like oxygen, CPR, or stopping bleeding.
• Handle acute conditions such as heart attacks, seizures, or trauma from accidents.
• Prepare and assist in resuscitation procedures.
Example Tasks:
• Starting IV lines.
• Administering medications.
• Applying bandages, sutures, or splints.
3. Communicate Effectively
• Keep doctors and specialists informed about patients' conditions.
• Provide clear instructions to patients and families during high-stress situations.
• Maintain accurate documentation of all care provided.
Tip: Communication can save lives! Always relay important details to the medical team.
4. Administer Medications and Treatments
• Give pain medications, antibiotics, or emergency medications like epinephrine.
• Monitor patients for reactions or side effects.
• Handle medical equipment like defibrillators, ventilators, and EKG machines.
Important: Double-check patient details before giving medications to avoid errors.
5. Support Patients Emotionally
• Many ER patients are scared or in shock. Provide emotional support.
• Reassure families by explaining what’s happening.
Tip: Stay calm and compassionate. Your attitude can ease patient anxiety.
6. Handle Trauma Cases
• Respond to critical injuries from accidents, violence, or other emergencies.
• Assist in surgeries or procedures if needed.
• Handle blood transfusions and manage wounds.
Pro Tip: Stay organized even in chaos. Trauma cases often need fast, multi-tasking skills.
7. Prepare Patients for Transfer or Discharge
• Once patients are stabilized, prepare them for admission to the hospital or
discharge.
• Provide aftercare instructions and prescriptions.
• Coordinate patient transfers to other facilities if needed.
Skills Required for an ER Nurse:
Skill Why It’s Important
Critical Thinking Make split-second decisions.
Communication Ensure the team is on the same page.
Multitasking Handle multiple emergencies at once.
Comfort patients during stressful
Compassion
situations.
ER shifts are long and physically
Physical Stamina
demanding.
Knowledge of
Follow hospital policies for emergencies.
Protocols
Common ER Situations You’ll Face:
• Heart attacks / Chest pain
• Stroke symptoms
• Severe trauma (accidents, falls)
• Gunshot wounds / Stab wounds
• Overdoses and poisoning
• Respiratory distress
• Seizures
• Broken bones
• Burns
• Mental health crises
Tools and Equipment Used in the ER:
• EKG/ECG machines (heart monitoring)
• Defibrillators (for cardiac arrest)
• Ventilators (for breathing support)
• IV pumps (medication delivery)
• Wound care supplies (sutures, bandages)
• Oxygen tanks
Quick Checklist for Emergency Situations:
Emergency Immediate Action
Cardiac Arrest Start CPR and use defibrillator
Apply pressure, elevate limb, use tourniquet if
Severe Bleeding
needed
Seizure Protect the patient from injury, do not restrain
Breathing Difficulty Administer oxygen, check airway
Trauma (Accidents) Stabilize neck and spine, control bleeding
Overdose/Poisonin
Administer antidote if known, monitor vitals
g
What to Do in Critical Cases (ABC Approach):
Always follow the ABC protocol for emergencies:
• Airway: Make sure the airway is clear.
• Breathing: Check for breathing. Administer oxygen if needed.
• Circulation: Monitor the patient’s heart rate and blood pressure.
Quick Tips for Handling Stress as an ER Nurse:
1. Stay calm – Panicking wastes time.
2. Rely on your training – Protocols exist to guide you.
3. Ask for help – ER work is a team effort.
4. Take breaks – Even short moments to breathe are essential.
5. Debrief after shifts – Talk with your team about tough cases.
