 
|
|
|
Until recently our flight nurses were utilized in the emergency department in the express care area assisting the physician(s). We were expected to be present during peak times (12 noon- 7 pm, 8 pm-12 mn) while not on transport. We did not take on an assigned patient load since we would have to leave quickly and reporting off could be difficult at times. When we did have to leave we reported to the charge nurse and physician(s) what cases were in express care and thier status. For tracking purposes only we would sign in and out of the ER. Personally, I felt underutilized in the ER. While at times we were able to expedite patient throughput (i.e. ordering x-rays, occasional labs,obtaining certain medications, etc.) I do not believe that patient care suffered abjectly in our absence. We did meet with some "hostility" when we were not able to report to the ER repeatedly and were often called away when we were available (our transport volume rose about 20%). We also noted that we could not adequately perform our transport and supply/equipment maintenance duties. We have since been removed from the ER and are now utilized elsewhere during our time not spent on transport-related issues.
I hope that this has been useful!
Geoff Scott, RN, BSN, BS
Flight Nurse
University of Chicago Aeromedical Network