Will I have the same nurse the whole time I am in the emergency room? What can I expect from my nurse?

A registered nurse will be assigned as your primary nurse during your stay. However, your nurse may have up to three other patients. The emergency department staff has rotating shifts throughout the day so your nurse may go off shift and another will be assigned for your care. During a shift change, your primary nurse will provide a detailed report about your condition, medications or other treatments, lab tests and any other information that will be helpful for your new nurse to continue with your care. Your nurse is responsible for your medical care and comfort. Emergency nurses carry out physician’s orders including administering medication and starting IVs but also do what they can to make their patients comfortable by providing warm blankets and something to eat and drink as appropriate.