ER Nurses are Heroes of the Emergency Room
We’ve all seen TV shows about emergency rooms. Whether it’s a drama starring George Clooney or reality TV, likeTrauma: Life in the ER, we know the pandemonium that can be unleashed when a screeching, speeding ambulance rolls into the hospital. Emergency nurses are at the center of this chaos, mixing authoritative care with calming compassion. ER nurses are on the frontlines of patient care.
They are the first to evaluate patients when they come into the hospital and their ability to perform quick, accurate assessments helps doctors and other medical professionals provide life-saving measures to all kinds of patients, from the toddler with a scraped knee to the chronically-ill senior.
ER nurses also play a vital role in hospice care. Because of their experience, training and skill, they are often able to recognize the “frequent flyer.” These relationships, built over time with a patient and their family, allows ER nurses to understand when a patient may be ready for a “hospice talk.”
Even after repeated hospitalizations, many patients are hesitant to consider a palliative approach to their condition. Because of the ongoing relationship that can develop with a chronically ill patient, an ER nurse can identify signs of slow, but steady decline. This places the nurse in a position to broach the subject of hospice with the patient, family and physician.
The ER nurse can be the catalyst that allows many patients to take the first step to relieving pain and fear and to receive the support at home that only hospice can give.
Hospitals around the country are currently celebrating Emergency Nurses Week. The theme this year is “Everyday Extraordinary.” At Crossroads, we’re thankful for their Everyday Extraordinarywork with our patients. These dedicated professionals provide amazing acts of compassion and skilled service on a daily basis.
