How does an ER run?

I am totally new to the ER setting and I was wondering how it all runs in California? I know the ratio is 4 to 1 and I also know that they see the most emergent people first. Can someone run through their day as a RN in a typical ER? thanks!!![/quote']

I work in an 89 bed level 1 adult ED (academic setting) so this may vary from other EDs but most function in a similar capacity. Patients come in through triage and are assigned an ESI (emergency severity index). ESI is 1-5, 1 is the most severe pt while a 5 can wait for hours. 1s typically have something wrong with the patients ABCs and/or are actively dying and need immediate intervention. So once pt is assigned ESI they are triaged by a triage nurse and based on the story and ESI they are sent to a room or back to the waiting room (we have very long waits and are always full despite 89 beds). The patient then sees the RN/MD, is worked up, and is admitted or discharged, etc. Our hospital is also often full so it's not unlikely that admitted patients sit in the ED for up to 24 hours...which then backs up the waiting room...etc