What is an Emergency Room Nurse?
An emergency room (ER) nurse is a registered nurse (RN) who provides care for patients with urgent and life-threatening medical conditions. ER nurses are often the first point of contact for people coming into the hospital with injuries, acute illnesses, or medical emergencies such as heart attacks, strokes, severe infections, or trauma from accidents.
The role of an ER nurse requires strong clinical knowledge, critical thinking, and communication skills. Adaptability and the ability to make quick decisions are essential, because patient conditions can change suddenly, and emergencies require immediate attention.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about emergency room nursing—including what ER nurses do, education and certification requirements, typical duties, and what a day in the ER looks like.
What Do Emergency Room Nurses Do?
The typical duties and responsibilities of an emergency room nurse vary by facility but often include:
- Caring for patients with urgent and life-threatening conditions, including heart attacks, strokes, severe injuries, sepsis, respiratory distress, and trauma from accidents
- Providing patient-centered care while addressing physical, emotional, and safety needs in high-acuity situations
- Assisting with emergency procedures such as fracture stabilization and wound repair, including preparing patients and supporting providers during suturing
- Rapidly assessing and triaging patients to prioritize care
- Monitoring vital signs, symptoms, and medical histories
- Assisting with advanced airway management, including preparation for intubation and ongoing airway monitoring
- Administering medications and starting IV lines based on physicians’ instructions
- Providing pain management and comfort measures tailored to each patient’s needs
- Collaborating with physicians and other medical staff to stabilize incoming patients and implement emergency care plans
- Helping stabilize patients before they are admitted, transferred, or discharged
- Creating and maintaining patient records
- Educating patients and families about follow-up care, home care instructions, and potential complications
Essential Qualities and Competencies of ER Nurses
Working in the emergency room is a fast-paced, intense, but incredibly rewarding career path for nurses. It takes focus, skill, and presence to ensure patients receive the care they need, when they need it.
Some qualities and competencies that can help ER nurses thrive in the role include:
- Multitasking and time management to prioritize care when multiple critical patients arrive at once.
- Clear communication to relay critical information to physicians and coordinate with the healthcare team.
- Composure under pressure to stay calm and focused during high-stress situations.
- Life-saving skills, including proficiency in ACLS, BLS, and trauma care, to respond confidently to emergencies like cardiac arrests, strokes, or severe injuries.
- Wound and trauma care expertise to treat fractures, cuts, and other injuries while supporting healing and pain management.
- Compassion and patient advocacy to provide emotional support and reassurance to patients and families.
How to Become an ER Nurse
To become an emergency room nurse, the most important step is to earn an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). An ADN takes about two years, while a BSN typically takes four years. Many nursing programs offer flexible options, including part-time, evening, or weekend classes.
After graduating with your degree, you’ll then need to pass the NCLEX-RN exam. Most new grads spend a few weeks to a couple of months studying, though the exam itself is completed in one day. Once you pass, you’ll receive your RN license.
Other Requirements and Certifications
Hospitals almost always require the Basic Life Support (BLS) certification, which ensures you're prepared to provide care in emergency situations, as well as the Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification. This training prepares you to respond to more complex cardiac and respiratory emergencies.
Other certifications ER nurse’s benefit from include:
- Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN): This is one of the most respected credentials in emergency nursing. It demonstrates expertise across core ER topics such as triage, trauma, and comprehensive patient care.
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS): This certification provides advanced training in recognizing and managing life-threatening emergencies in pediatric patients. This certification is often required for ER RNs.
- Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC): The TNCC certification prepares ER nurses with the knowledge and hands-on skills necessary to provide critical care to trauma patients.
How Long Does It Take to Become an Emergency Room Nurse?
Some facilities hire new nurses directly into the ER, especially if they’ve completed a senior practicum or internship in emergency care. However, many facilities prefer nurses to have 1-2 years of experience in med-surg, ICU, or another acute care setting before transitioning into the ER, as the role requires specialized skills.
If you’re ready to find your next role in ER nursing, explore open jobs through Gifted Healthcare today, or apply to speak with a recruiter! We have a variety of ER nursing positions available around the country, including travel, local, and PRN positions.
How Much Does an ER Nurse Make?
Based on averages from nursing jobs listed on Gifted Healthcare, many ER travel nurses make more than $2,350 per week, while local ER nurses make more than $2,000 per week.
However, rates vary by agency, position type—travel, permanent, per diem, or local—and location, with urban hospitals generally offering higher pay than rural facilities. Travel assignments also typically pay more than other nursing jobs.
Frequently Asked Questions About ER Nursing
What’s the difference between ICU and ER nurses?
The ER and ICU are typically separate departments within a hospital. The ER handles incoming emergencies and urgent cases, while the ICU cares for patients who need continuous, specialized monitoring after a serious illness, trauma, or surgery. Nurses typically work in either the ER or ICU, though some gain experience in both over time.
Can I become an ER nurse right after receiving my RN license and passing the NCLEX-RN exam?
Yes! You can become an ER nurse after receiving your RN license and passing the NCLEX-RN exam. However, many hospitals prefer candidates with some prior clinical experience, so new nurses often start in medical-surgical or other general units before transitioning to the emergency room.
Some facilities also have ER programs or residency programs that provide structured training for entry-level nurses interested in emergency care.
Can I work in the emergency room as a travel nurse?
Absolutely, emergency rooms are often in high demand for travel nurses. With this opportunity, you can gain experience in different medical facilities and locations across the country while enjoying flexible schedules and competitive pay.
What are the requirements for becoming a travel emergency room nurse?
The most important requirement to become a travel nurse is to have an active Registered Nurse (RN) license. In addition, you should apply for the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) because it allows you to obtain a multistate license and practice in any state that is part of the compact.
Additionally, most travel nurse agencies and hospitals require at least two years of recent ER nursing experience before accepting travel assignments. Gifted Healthcare typically requires at least one year of experience in your preferred specialty.
Learn more about how to start travel nursing, including specific requirements, steps, and the benefits of this rewarding career path.
Find Your Next ER Nursing Job Through Gifted Healthcare!
Gifted Healthcare provides healthcare professionals with exceptional, high-paying career opportunities, including ER nursing.
We’ve earned recognition as a Best Travel Nurse Agency by The Gypsy Nurse, the world’s largest online community for travel nurses, and as a Top 20 Travel Nursing Company by BluePipes, the leading professional networking platform in healthcare.
Connect with a recruiter to join the Gifted Family today! Apply here.
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