Emergency Severity Index

Contact Hours: 1

Author(s):

Kasee Wiesen DNP, APRN, FNP-C

Course Overview

In this course, learners will be able to define the Emergency Severity Index (ESI), including why it is used. They will gain an understanding of the ESI algorithm, including how levels are assigned to patients, what is considered life-threatening, and who is considered high-risk. They will also understand how the predicted number of resources needed to care for a patient determines ESI Levels 3, 4, and 5. The information in this course will serve as a valuable resource to nurses working in the emergency department.

Course Outline

  1. Introduction
  2. Definition
  3. Emergency Severity Index Algorithm
  4. Resources and Vital Signs
  5. Case Study:
  6. Conclusion

Course Outcomes

  1. Discuss the purpose of the Emergency Severity Index and when it is used.  
  2. Explain the difference between an ESI Level 1 and an ESI Level 2 patient.  
  3. Summarize three of the four questions a triage nurse must consider before assigning an ESI Level patient.  
  4. Identify three resources a nurse might use in the emergency department when caring for a patient.  

Accreditations and Approvals

CE Credit Logo
  • American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) (P0614)
  • California Board of Registered Nursing (CEP 17418)
  • Kentucky Board of Nursing (7-0090)
  • Louisiana State Board of Nursing (58)
  • Florida Board of Nursing (50-23983)
  • Delaware Board of Nursing (DE-24-010127)
  • Alabama Board of Nursing (#ABNP1577)
  • Iowa Board of Nursing (#393)
  • Kansas Board of Nursing (LT0340-0325)

Approved by the Board of Nursing in every state, you can complete your RN, LVN, and APRN CEUs with confidence.

Accreditation Statement

Nursing CE Central LLC is accredited as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation.

It will take the average learner 60 minutes to complete and awards 1 contact hours of continuing education.

Written For

  • Registered Nurses (RN)
  • Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN)
  • Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN/LVN)

Requirements for Completion

  1. Enrollment in the course by the learner
  2. Read and learn all course materials
  3. Complete the course evaluation
  4. Attest and testify learning of the course materials

Disclosure of Relevant Financial Relationships

Nursing CE Central nor any of the authors, planners, content experts, or any contributors have any relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose.