An ED nurse is a registered nurse who specializes in providing emergency medical care to patients in critical or life-threatening conditions.

Responsibilities: ED nurses have a range of responsibilities which includes:

• Assessing and triaging patients who arrive in the Emergency Department.
• Providing emergency medical care such as administering medications, starting IVs, and performing advanced procedures.
• Communicating with physicians and other healthcare professionals to provide coordinated patient care.
• Monitoring patients for changes in their condition and responding appropriately.
• Documenting patient care accurately and thoroughly.
• Providing emotional support and education to patients and their families.
• Maintaining a safe and clean environment for patients and staff.
• Participating in quality improvement initiatives to improve patient outcomes and safety.

Education and Training: To become an ED nurse, one must have a degree in nursing (ADN or BSN) and a valid nursing license. Additionally, ED nurses typically have specialized training and certification in emergency nursing such as the Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) certification offered by the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing.

Work Environment: ED nurses work in fast-paced and high-stress environments. They may work in hospitals, emergency medical clinics, and trauma centers. They work in shifts, which may include nights, weekends, and holidays.

Salary and Job Outlook: The median annual salary for ED nurses is around $74,000 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The job outlook for registered nurses, in general, is expected to grow 9% from 2020 to 2030, which is faster than the average for all occupations.

In summary, ED nurses play a vital role in the delivery of emergency medical care. They require specialized training, certification, and expertise to provide critical and life-saving care to patients in emergency situations.