Excited to finally call myself an ER nurse

Specialties Emergency

Published

Specializes in Emergency.

So..as of yesterday I found out I officially can call myself an ER nurse!! I got the position I interviewed for last week and after 3 years on med surg I can't even explain how fired up I am!! I know I have a ton to learn and I can't wait to learn as much as I can.. I have been reading up on ACLS and critical care instead of studying for my BSN exams.. I may be making myself sound like a giant dork right now but really I am so happy to be excited about nursing again- it feels like a long time since I've felt that way. Just wanted to say I am so proud to have this chance, I look up to all you ER nurses greatly and hope you can all bear with me if I post some dumb questions along the way.. I feel like a new nurse all over again!! :) Can't WAIT to start!!

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Specializes in Flight, ER, Transport, ICU/Critical Care.

Congrats!

:anpom:

Don't sweat this too much - I'll bet that you are an amazing nurse and will have a lot to offer your ER patients. One thing at a time and don't worry too much about being a "dork" - heck, I've ALWAYS been a "dork" and take pride in it.

BIG TIP:

There are NO dumb questions. So, ask a bunch and be certain that you have the essential facts to make the best decisions. There is no shame in checking to ensure safety and looking up the answer so that you can provide the patient with accurate, clinically competent care. NO ONE knows it all - some that think they do - well, avoid them for they are dangerous and I'd bet they DON'T KNOW THAT!

After many years - I still learn something with every patient. Really. If you are not learning something new everyday - stop and try to figure out what you are missing.

KEY TIPS:

Join ENA - NOW - (you can do it online), GET INVOLVED and take advantage of every education opportunity that comes your way (even if on your dime - it will pay off big - I promise!) and get your own policy now.

Also, get your own disability insurance policy. Violence and injury may be greater against ER nurses than others - (actually, I recommend for all nurses) make sure it covers you specifically for your "ER speciality" if you are unable to work - it is not too expensive and will allow your to live the lifestyle you enjoy working - in the event that you become unable (sick, injury).

You will do fine. Someone wanted you really bad and saw great potential for ER nursing success. Remember that.

Good Luck!

:angel:

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Specializes in Emergency.

Where are you located? Like what area? I'm waiting to hear back. I interviewed for an ER position today

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Specializes in Cardiovascular, ER.

Congrats to you! Welcome :)

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Specializes in Critical Care, Emergency Medicine, Flight.

so jealous!!! :) COngrats to you! enjoy it :)

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.
I've ALWAYS been a "dork" and take pride in it.

Dorks unite! :D I am right there myself.

And OP -- congrats! And from what I've been told by med/surg peeps who have transitioned to the ED, you WILL feel like a fumble-fingered, slow-as-molasses new grad when you first get to the ED. Totally out of your element! But they made it, and you will, too.

Embrace the dorkitude! :)

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Specializes in ER.

WELCOME WELCOME WELCOME to the elite, crazy, amazing club. This job will teach you EVERYTHING, break your heart, and change who you are. In the end, you will be so glad you did it. Hugs to you. If you have ANY questions, concerns, issues, ect, please feel free to message me.YAY!!!!!

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Specializes in ER.
Dorks unite! :D I am right there myself.

And OP -- congrats! And from what I've been told by med/surg peeps who have transitioned to the ED, you WILL feel like a fumble-fingered, slow-as-molasses new grad when you first get to the ED. Totally out of your element! But they made it, and you will, too.

Embrace the dorkitude! :)

Amen to that! I can not stress enough how accurate this is. I have been a nurse for 23 years, in many different specialties, but when I transitioned to ER, it was a whole 'nother ball game.

Granted, I was away from bedside for 8 years, doing Case Management, but when I started I totally felt like a new grad and like I was re learning everything.

It comes with time.

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Congrats and welcome!

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Specializes in Emergency Dept. Trauma. Pediatrics.

Congratulations!!!!!

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Specializes in Emergency.

Thank you all so much- I appreciate the warm welcome!! The excitement still hasn't worn off and I am very ready for this challenge. NREMT thank you very much for the excellent advice- I will definitely be joining the ENA and I will update my per your recommendation- thank you!! Prettyladie, I am located in central NJ, good luck with the job! Lunah your post got me nervous- I already feel like I run- I can't imagine a faster pace!! But as I said I am completely ready for the challenge and to learn as much as I can.. I am completely humbled by how much there is to learn and I really just want to start already so I can take advantage of every chance. JDoug, thank you for making me even more excited than I already was. You guys are all awesome.

Just by the way- in the interview I asked how long of an orientation there would be..the interviewer said for a new grad it would be 6 months but as a nurse with experience, it would be about 2 months, give or take, depending on my progress. 2 months still sounds like a long time, which makes me relieved- it's twice as long as I had for med-surg orientation- I was just wondering if this is a typical length of orientation time in you ERs?

Thanks again for the welcome to the elite club :) Very, very glad to be here.

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.
Lunah your post got me nervous- I already feel like I run- I can't imagine a faster pace!! But as I said I am completely ready for the challenge and to learn as much as I can.. I am completely humbled by how much there is to learn and I really just want to start already so I can take advantage of every chance.

Nah, don't be nervous ... just be aware. Sometimes it catches people by surprise, that feeling! Your excitement and enthusiasm will be a huge help, too. :)

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