new grad at level 2 trauma center- your thoughts!

Specialties Emergency

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Specializes in oncology, transplant, OB.

Hi All!

Just a few quick question for you all about a new grad starting out in the ER.

I will be graduating this May and have started already checking out job openings of hospitals in my area (I know it's too early to apply, I just want to see what kind of units have openings and plus I'm so excited that graduation is finally approaching!) This summer I did an externship at a large urban hospital in L&D. Now I am currently working as a patient care tech in L&D at a magnet hospital located right outside the city. It's considered a medium sized hospital and is a level 2 trauma center. While I thought L&D was what I wanted to do right out of school, I am beginning to realize how important it is to develop a broad range of skills as opposed to working in a speciality right away. And like I hear so many of my fellow nursing students say, I don't want to do medsurg for the first year!!

So my questions to you are do you find that new grads who begin in level 2 trauma centers usually do well? I love the excitment, stress and fast paced environment but at the same time I don't want to be too overwhelemed to learn. I heard this hospital is very good to their new grad orientation. What is the average new grad orientation for the ER? And lastly, do you think I should suck it up and do a year of medsurg or consider the ER?

Thanks for your help!

Glamgal

P.S.- As soon as a patient care tech job opens in the ER I'm planning on jumping on it!

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Specializes in ICU of all kinds, CVICU, Cath Lab, ER..

First of all, congratulations on your "get up and go". I admire you for your spirit...you should definitely go for the new grad orientation in the level 2 trauma center. ER can be overwhelming on any given day but if you have a mentor, you will do fine.

The good people on allnurses are here - waiting to support you with love and good advice.

Go for it gal!

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Specializes in stepdown.

Hello~ I just graduated in April and I start orientation at a level II trauma center on the 10th. I am stoked about it! This is exactly where I want to be. I don't see why any new graduate should have to "suck it up" and do med-surg if that is not where thier particular passion lies. I personally feel that in the ER I will see and do so much more to really help my skills evolve. I wouldn't suggest doing it if the preceptorship is short though.... I will have two weeks of classroom then 6months with a mentor. Good luck

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Specializes in ER.

I'm currently a new grad in a level I ER. I have a 13 week training, and we don't even get trained to triage for another 6 mos, and trauma in 1-1.5 years. I feel safe, but would be really hesitant of a place that throws you in too quickly. If you'll be trained well, jump at the chance- I think the "year of med-surg" can be overrated, especially if you have no desire to ever work there.

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Specializes in ER.

i am the ultimate new grad with no experience in pct, tec or extern programs and am in my fourth week of orientation at a level II that served 52,000 pts last year. i have to admit that it can be a bit overwhelming at times, which is something i both prepared for and currently dislike. one of the main transitions from nursong school to er is that in nursing school you are used to taking care of one pt. and seeing them all the way through. er nursing is far more like a juggling act with prioritization ongoing at all times.

there is no doubt i am learning a lot very fast, though. the pathology and focus is really incredible and i just really like the environment in general, even if it does feel like a health care factory sometimes.

we have a twelve week orientation that, i understand, most new grads extend for a few weeks. at the end of that we are given our three beds. i have to say it is a stressful ride but an experience i would not want to trade for anything else. fasten your seat belt and have a good time.

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Specializes in oncology, transplant, OB.

bigreddog- hope all is going well with your orientation! Thank you for responding to my question about working in a level 2 trauma center right after graduation!

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Specializes in oncology, transplant, OB.

norcalrnstudent- thank you for responding to my quetion about working in the ER right after graduation! I hope the year of working in medsurg is overrated because I really don't want to do it. Well I hope all is going well w/your orientation!

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Specializes in ER/PICU.

Started the same way but with an extensive EMS background and over 5 years as a tech in the same ER I started in. AND IT WAS STILL THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE OF MY LIFE!!!!!

Personally, I would not recommend it without a year of med surg. As a preceptor for new nurses in a level 2 trauma center, I tell the newbies the following..."EVERYTHING you EVER learned about nursing, Anatomy/physiology, drugs, assessment, human nature etc etc etc MUST come together in this room (Trauma Room) with the first seconds of a patients arrival. If they can't...you don't belong here" Harsh yes, true...you betcha!!!!!!

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Specializes in Cardiac, ED.
Started the same way but with an extensive EMS background and over 5 years as a tech in the same ER I started in. AND IT WAS STILL THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE OF MY LIFE!!!!!

Personally, I would not recommend it without a year of med surg. As a preceptor for new nurses in a level 2 trauma center, I tell the newbies the following..."EVERYTHING you EVER learned about nursing, Anatomy/physiology, drugs, assessment, human nature etc etc etc MUST come together in this room (Trauma Room) with the first seconds of a patients arrival. If they can't...you don't belong here" Harsh yes, true...you betcha!!!!!!

I Totally agree with ya wibobr! I have 2yrs in a step-down tele and EMT experience and I am still scared to death! You really need the basics before you jump right in. Good luck!!;)

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I am "one of them" too. I was given the opportunity to work as a new grad in a level II ED. They had no formal new grad program that was ED specific, however they borrowed one from ICU. I spent 3 months with different preceptors and rotated through all shifts.

You must be highly motovated and thick skinned. Always-Always seize the opportunity to directly observe and get hands on patients. Jump in to the codes, put any tube in every opening you can. Get the mechanics of ED nursing out of the way early. Once you are comfortable doing hands on stuff you'll feel more at ease as your nursing responsibilities increase.

Never say "I already know that"

Be open to criticism, and don't take it personal.

Best of luck fellow ER new grad

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