In an emergency room, an emergency department manager coordinates care. Each manager is responsible for the quality of care on assigned shifts, and a facility may have several managers to provide complete shift coverage. A nursing certification is usually required to become an emergency department manager, and applicants with postgraduate qualifications and experience in emergency room settings may be considered more competitive. Some choose to work in pediatric emergency rooms or behavioral health facilities, specializing in specific patient populations.
When an emergency department manager arrives at work, he or she usually has a quick meeting with the previous shift’s manager. This allows the new manager to see which cases are currently on the floor and how they are progressing. Outgoing staff can provide information that can help with shift planning, such as being aware of an incoming trauma case or warnings that severe weather could lead to an increase in the number of accidents. This enables the floor manager to determine how to prioritize care on the floor in order to ensure that everyone is treated.
This job entails a significant amount of administrative work. Rather than directly caring for patients, the emergency department manager usually coordinates staff and makes decisions to keep the ER running smoothly. This can include requesting additional staff as needed, supervising new employee training, and coordinating with staff at neighboring hospitals to facilitate disaster transfers and coverage. The emergency room manager has the authority to establish and enforce policies, such as treatment protocols and ethical guidelines.
The emergency department manager may be involved in the budgeting process at some facilities. This can include details on what the emergency department does, how many patients it sees on average, and what financial needs must be met in order for the department to stay open. Ordering and monitoring supplies, hiring technicians to repair malfunctioning equipment, and setting schedules are all part of the job.
This member of the staff may administer discipline in the emergency department or participate in meetings to discuss a negative situation. Employees who violate workplace policies, such as engaging in activities that endanger patients and staff or failing to follow confidentiality laws, can be suspended or fired. If the department has special needs like high volumes of homeless patients or specific types of cases, the emergency department manager also needs to be prepared to meet those needs and organize staff effectively to address ongoing issues that may arise.