ER nurses a different 'type' than others?

Lev, MSN, RN, NP · Jul 8, 2015

I do both...went from the floor to the ER while keeping my PRN med surg job. Working in the ER makes working the floor much easier because I don't get freaked out by things that used to freak me out and if there's an issue I actually know what to do before calling the provider. Plus my time management has improved dramatically. If anything, I think I am more "ICU type" than "ER type", but I can definitely do ER...still like ER more than floor. I have never done ICU, but I like working with critical patients (once they are settled) LOL.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jul 8, 2015

I would never want to work in the ER. I bow down in respect to all the people who are willing to work in the ED because my personality isn't conducive to it at all. I'm the total opposite of an adrenaline junkie. Too much action and stimulation drives me nuts.

As I type this post, I am seated at work while sipping my coffee. I have a dry type B personality and a preference for routinized workplace environments. Basically, I need plenty of downtime and the comfort of predicting how the shift will progress.

I would be driven absolutely crazy if I had to report to work and not have an idea what I'll walk into. The beauty of nursing is that there's a specialty for everyone.

level1 · Jul 8, 2015

I'm just a nursing student, but I could not see myself in nursing if I couldn't work ER or CCU. I'm greatly attracted to the pace and rigors of the ER and general floor nursing is so boring to me. I think that it draws certain personalities for sure.

BecomingNursey · Jul 8, 2015

Yup. ER is it. The only type of nursing for me. It fits my personality perfectly. I freaking love it and can't see myself doing anything else!

sissiesmama, ASN, RN · Jul 8, 2015

Yup. ER is it. The only type of nursing for me. It fits my personality perfectly. I freaking love it and can't see myself doing anything else!

Me too!! Love it!

Anne, RNC

WKShadowNP, DNP, APRN · Jul 9, 2015

I love the ER. I did more than a decade of medical/surgical/tele before going there. Not because I didn't want to, mind you, but because where I worked, that was what I was told to do. "You can't specialize until you get a good base." That's sort of true. When I tried to break into the specialties in that same facility I was turned down because I had no experience. Then I left the hospital and did home health, hospice, office nursing. Later I toured a different facility and eked my way from a med/surg floor then to flex where I was willing to cross train to any floor that they needed me. Guess what! I got trained in critical care AND ER. Now I'm strictly an ER nurse and the happiest girl!

So much so, I'm going to work in urgent care after I finish grad school. FINGERS CROSSED! Good luck to you, Madigan.

Madigan · Jul 9, 2015

What is the difference between ICU, CCU and ER, loosely? ICU is kind of a super by-the-book kind of job right? I am way way more of the adapt on the fly, thats why I like street emt so much.

canche · Jul 9, 2015

I think ER nurses have to be very assertive. Some of that comes with time and some people just have a very bold personality. You have to be quick on your toes and know a lot. You also have to be able to take crap from everyone. Many people like to hate on ED and write us up for any little thing.

I just switched from the floor and I feel like I am better in an organized more calm environment like the floor. But I am still new so we will see. I am feeling pretty overwhelmed in ED.

Nonyvole, BSN, RN · Jul 9, 2015

I very quickly decided that I was no good at most units. Not because I doesn't have the abilities, but because I didn't have the patience. ER is definitely my niche.

And yes, I have to be assertive and super confident in front of the patients and some coworkers. I'm also like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, being firm and assertive with one patient and the immediately going to the next one and holding their hand.

emtb2rn, BSN, RN, EMT-B · Jul 9, 2015

What is the difference between ICU, CCU and ER, loosely? ICU is kind of a super by-the-book kind of job right? I am way way more of the adapt on the fly, thats why I like street emt so much.

ER is by the book as well. That book is Sheehy's. We don't wing it in the ER. Everything we do is carefully thought out. We just do our thinking very quickly or simply subconsciously (i.e., intuitively).

Mattskiematt · Jul 9, 2015

ER nursing is like, receive the patient, diagnose, sort everything else and endorse! ER nurses are like the Sorting Hat from Harry Potter. *endorses patient to Gryffindor*