Expert or novice faces emergencies. In such cases, nurses are no exemption. They are expected to be competent professionals who can respond to patient and medical team needs swiftly and effectively.
A crisis with one of the nurse’s patients especially as a novice nurse is likely to arise; it truly could be the difference between life and death. Even the most seasoned clinician may feel overpowered when dealing with emergencies for the first time during these tense situations. By taking precautions for emergencies, nurses can make use of this privilege and assist those who are in need.
Here are six must-have emergency skills nurses need to possess to avoid escalating unfavorable situations.
- Maintaining Accurate Patient Assessments
According to Eaton, evaluating the patient directly can have a significant impact. Nurses must possess a solid basis in clinical knowledge and be familiar with fundamental techniques. Linda Wicker, MSN, RN, a nursing educator at Thomas Edison State University in Trenton, New Jersey highlights that a patient’s conditions frequently change, and the nurse must be able to recognize subtle cues in a patient’s condition and understand whether the condition is improving or worsening.
When in doubt, refer back to the fundamentals and follow the instinct. Take the patient’s vital signs to spot any issues that might not be visible right away. Concentrate on the areas that do once the areas which don’t require immediate attention are determined. Document the situation and chart it like the license is on the line.
- Preparedness
The majority of people ought to be at least somewhat prepared, which includes having extra food and drink on hand, but nurses have the additional duty of looking after others in an emergency. Keep a fully-stocked emergency medical kit nearby, such as in the trunk of your car, to be ready for anything. A useful, thorough list of supplies would include:
- Aluminum Finger Splint
- Instant Cold Pack
- Cotton balls and cotton-tipped swabs
- Disposable latex-free examination gloves
- Scissors and tweezers
- Soap or hand sanitizer
- Antibiotic ointment
- Antiseptic solution and towelettes
In the case of emergency nurses, emergency rooms operate quickly, and patients frequently arrive in a steady stream by car or ambulance. Whatever the patient’s condition—from sprained ankles to motor car traumas—emergency nurses must be ready.
- Composure
In high-stress prone work, maintaining composure helps set the tone for other staff members, patients, and families. Nurses need to be adaptable and composed under stress.
It is important to keep cool by first concentrating on the current task. Next, evaluate the circumstances. Is the incident still taking place? Try to determine the precise nature of the threat. Nurses are aware that it is both a luxury and a necessity to care for others through their most difficult times. More than ever, people require devoted, secure, and professional care during tragedies and disasters.
In the emergency room, it is frequent to encounter tense, frightening circumstances. Nurses should be able to carry out their duties effectively despite the emotionally charged environment. Although, it might be inevitable for nurses to also have intense emotional responses to very trying circumstances. Throughout these stressful times, nurses must continue to provide patient care and treatment.
Meanwhile, patients with mental health issues may become especially agitated when waiting hours, which can be lengthy, are added to the mix. Violence at work is a risk. The ability to de-escalate such challenging situations is a crucial emergency nursing skill that frequently begins with verbal de-escalation tactics but may also call for additional nonverbal techniques.
- Coping Methods
Nurses “need to be resilient, because they are going to see a lot of things, and all outcomes,” Eaton said.
Especially for nurses who are and will be working in the emergency room, situations can be physically and emotionally taxing. Some encounters may seem too much to handle. Make sure to have coping mechanisms in place to help deal with the pressure and feelings that come with working as an ER nurse.
- Communication
Foster stated that effective verbal and nonverbal communication is a critical ability in our line of work in order to guarantee that patients receive the best care possible. It serves as the foundation for a wide range of other abilities, such as teamwork and the capacity to remain composed under pressure. Additionally, it is important to be able to understand and empathize with everyone. An ordinary workday for a nurse might be terrifying or stressful for a patient or family.
In an emergency, communication with the patient is crucial. The patient can be a valuable source of information if they are cognizant and able to talk. The patient is the only one who can express their feelings to the nurse, despite being able to evaluate all of their vital indicators. Maintain the patient’s attention on the larger picture and keep asking them questions that are pertinent to their care. To choose the optimal course of therapy for patients, a nurse should be able to effectively collaborate with a variety of people and departments.
- Debriefing
A nurse’s work doesn’t end when the emergency is over. The work still goes on. Recap the scenario now and talk to other nurses and doctors who have more experience if questions arise. Utilize this priceless opportunity to learn from mistakes, get comments, and further one’s knowledge and abilities.
A working nurse’s emotional well-being is essential, and if the current mindset is not suitable when providing care, a huge possibility of disservice might happen to the patients handled. After an emergency, it is best to be careful to have some time to think and gather thoughts. Do whatever helps to recover the right mindset: sit down, close your eyes, take a few deep breaths, meditate, or speak with someone.
Looking to further your nursing skills?
AuRNPathway is the best nursing review center for you that can help you hone these must-have emergency nursing skills. Along the way to getting the license as a registered nurse in Australia, master these important nursing skills until they become muscle memory. Get simulated in emergency situations to know the best action to take when the need arises. Start furthering your nursing skills and enroll in AuRNPathway!
References:
10 Emergency Nursing Skills You Can Only Learn on the Job. 2023
Joyce University of Nursing and Health Sciences. 2021. Top 6 Emergency Nursing Skills for New Nurses
