What does an A&E Nurse do?
A&E Nurses are responsible for assessing patients on arrival at the hospital. They triage each patient as they arrive and collect information to help inform diagnosis. A&E Nurses examine, clean, dress wounds and perform a range of diagnostic tests. They work closely with Doctors from a range of Specialists, Consultants, Anaesthetists and Surgeons in order to ensure that each patient gets the appropriate care. A&E Nurses relay information to other medical professionals, sharing details of patients’ conditions with other medics involved in their care.
A&E Nurse skills and qualifications
A&E Nurses need to be able to deliver a wide range of treatments whilst following hospital procedures and maintaining a good relationship with each patient. A successful A&E Nurse candidate will have various prerequisite skills and qualifications that typically include:
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Strong communication skills, including being clear and concise under pressure
- The ability to perform a range of emergency procedures including resuscitation, taking blood and administering pain relief
- Decision-making skills
- Excellent time management and multitasking abilities
- Resilience and the ability to take a flexible approach when tackling high-pressure situations
- Empathy and diplomacy when dealing with patients and colleagues
- The ability to work closely with a team as well as alone
A&E Nurse experience requirements
A&E Nurses have experience of working with patients on placements as part of their courses. A&E Nurses typically have several years of experience working in other areas of nursing, learning vital skills in less pressurised environments. Experience of working in areas such as mental health, intensive care or obstetric are an advantage. Management and leadership experience are also useful for an A&E Nurse, as is any previous role working with interdepartmental teams.
A&E Nurse education and training requirements
A&E Nurses need to have a nursing degree in one of the four main nursing disciplines: adult, children, mental health or learning disabilities. All Nurses must also be registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council and maintain their professional qualifications with regular professional development activity. Professional bodies such as the Royal College of Nursing offer a range of resources for nurses, and there are a number of courses available covering clinical skills, patient care and management skills.
A&E Nurse Salary Expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for an A&E Nurse is £30.83 per hour. This is dependent on the area of the country in which the role is based and the level of experience required.
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