ER Nurses Week

Honoring Amazing Work of ER Staff and Volunteers

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This week, we’re celebrating the amazing work that is done every day in our Emergency Departments and Urgent Care Clinics. A patient may only be in your care for a few minutes, or hours. They may come alone, or be accompanied by family members. Their health condition may be minor, or life-threatening. Either way, their care needs to be given the utmost priority. Staff and volunteers in your EMRs and ECs perform this amazing work every day to ensure patients receive the best possible care right away. With that being said, let’s take a moment to celebrate some of these incredible caregivers who are always willing to go above and beyond to help others.

Registered Nurses (RNs)

Registered nurses can be found in every type of health care setting. They provide the main care, making sure patients receive the best possible treatment. They make sure the right care is delivered to the right person at the right time. They are often the first responders to an emergency. And, they are often the face of the health care system to patients and families. Registered nurses have a wide variety of roles. Some work in acute care settings, such as hospitals. Others work in outpatient settings, such as long-term care or outpatient clinics. Registered nurses can have a variety of job titles. Some examples are RN, LPN, CRNP, R.N., and many others.

Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants

Physician assistants (PAs) and nurse practitioners (NPs) can be found in a variety of settings. PAs are often found working in primary care clinics, while NPs are often found in a variety of other settings, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, or outpatient clinics. Nurse practitioners can provide a variety of medical services. They may have additional training in areas such as diabetes, mental health care, or pediatrics. Nurse practitioners often work with patients to develop treatment plans, which can include medication, lifestyle changes, or other interventions.

Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and Paramedics

EMTs and paramedics are on the scene quickly when someone calls 911. They are often the first responders to an emergency. EMTs and paramedics also work in a variety of other settings. These include community-based care, such as fire departments, or military settings, such as the Coast Guard.

Health Care Support Workers (Nurse-Midwife, Speech Therapist, etc.)

Nurse-midwives (NM) work with women throughout their pregnancies, births, and postpartum time. Speech therapists work with patients to improve communication and swallowing function. Occupational therapists help patients with their daily activities, such as dressing or feeding themselves. These workers can often be found in a variety of settings, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, or a community-based setting, such as a retired-person’s community.

Hospital Employees and Volunteers (Dieticians, Pharmacists, etc.)

Dieticians, pharmacists, and other health care workers can be found in many settings, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, or community-based settings, such as a retired-person’s community. Dieticians are often responsible for helping patients develop a healthy diet. Pharmacists may provide advice on which medications are best for a patient’s condition. These health care workers may also help patients with medication management. This includes helping patients to understand the uses for each medication and when to take it.

Conclusion

These are just a few examples of the incredible work done by healthcare staff and volunteers every day. With so many different jobs and roles, there are many other caregivers in the health care system who go above and beyond to help others. These healthcare professionals, volunteers, and hospital staff brave danger to help others. They work long hours and often have no appreciation for their caring work. Now is the time to recognize, honor, and appreciate these amazing people who work in your EMRs and ECs. Just like the flowers in bloom, let’s celebrate these amazing caregivers all week long!