Leaving floor nursing for ER RN job...What should I expect?

itsnowornever, BSN, RN · May 19, 2013

This is completely different than anything else. Hold on and enjoy the ride- cause its a BLAST!

Posting from my phone, ease forgive my fat thumbs! :)

mish_RN · May 20, 2013

I was on MedSurg/Oncology for a year then moved to a Level 2 ER 8 mos ago. It's a totally different pace, gotta be quick and accurate. Trust your gut and believe in team work (we do team nursing). Don't be scared to ask questions, better safe than sorry. You learn something every day. Good luck, have fun, and get ready!

turnforthenurse, MSN, NP · May 21, 2013

I worked on a progressive care unit for nearly 2 years. Since January I was floating to the ER a lot and so I decided to transfer. I've been there officially for a month now.

The ER is a different bear of nursing. Very fast paced, and the feeling of not knowing what's going to come through that door next is very exciting, in my opinion. You will learn something new every day and every day is different, which also makes it exciting in my opinion. I was getting bored with the same ole' routine on the floor.

The teamwork aspect is amazing. From what I have read on these forums it seems that all ERs are into teamwork, as they should be. We have saved each other's butts so many times!

You'll probably see the entire age population in one shift, from the very young (a few days old!) to the very old and everything in between. Brush up on some pediatric stuff, namely the vital signs ranges for each age group and how to properly calculate medication dosages. We have a children's hospital (and with it a pediatric ER) about 30 minutes from my hospital, so any kiddos that are really sick or need care that we cannot provide get shipped to that hospital. As for what kiddos come in with, usually it's a fever or asthma exacerbation.

If you're not sure on anything, ask! Just because I worked for nearly 2 years prior to coming to the ER doesn't mean I know everything. There are a lot of things that are seen and done in the ER that either aren't done as frequently on the floor or not done at all. Again, you learn something new every day which is what I love.

I suggest getting Sheehy's Manual of Emergency Care. It's an excellent resource to have with you.

danggirl16 · Jun 19, 2013

A little late...if you've started your new job I'd be interested to hear your views on the same question. I was a travel nurse on a transplant floor and no one on the floor would float to ER one night. I volunteered and ended up with a permanent ER position after 13 years of med/surg. I'll second what the others have said. There are some good references out...of course I can't recall a name...I think one is called Fast Facts for ER Nurses. Its basically a down and dirty overview of all the common issues and the physiology of all systems in a nutshell. Anyway. I've learned the patients are "our" patients no such thing as yours or mine, that you need an open mind, an ability to take criticism, a way to destress, a semblence (even if you have to act) of confidence and above all else ASK. if you don't know or you have a gut feeling....you'll get over feeling like an idiot but if you DONT ask you might not get a second chance to save someone's life. Its scary and funny, sometimes back breaking and sometimes a yawn, you will learn every single day and form relationships with your coworkers you don't experience in other areas....kind of like cops, firefighters etc. Anyway. Have fun and just roll with it.