New grad in the ER?

GIJeff · Sep 13, 1999

The ER can take the soul from any normal human. The trucks don't stop coming at 4am. The patient's don't care if the guy next to them is a resp arrest, they want their little toe looked at. Sometimes, after a long 12hrs, during a full-moon, I look back at the night...I gave all my meds, I didn't lose anybody, the charge nurse still likes me, my feet hurt, my brain took a left at the candy machine, my truck looks foggy in the parking lot, I lost my tubex, and my favorite hemostats disappeared. BUT I'm happy, I'm tickled pink that I was able to keep up and try to make a difference. Some people can handle it, some cannot. It takes a special breed to be an ER nurse, just make sure you sign your discharge papers and take the second door to the exit.

TraumaNurse30 · Oct 7, 1999

I understand how frustrating it can be to want to work in the ED immed. after finishing Nx school. I was in the same spot 6 years ago. I worked as a Nurse Tech in the ED while in school and new that was where I wanted my career to go. However, the hospital I worked for had me work Med/Surg, luckily for only 4mo., then work ICU/CCU for a year before going to the ED. I can't tell you how invaluable the organizational skills I learned have been. I really don't think I would have gotten them in the ED. As much as I hated hearing it years ago, obtaining a foundation on a floor is something you will never regret. ED nursing is all about recognizing and responding and honestly the first year out of school you are to busy learning how to be nurse. I'm not saying it can't be done, because it has, but there is so much you just can't get in school.

MissyS · Mar 12, 2000

I have to agree with TraumaNurse30. It would be better for you to have some experience under your belt before you come to the ED. Pt ratios are higher. Sometimes you have to watch the whole ED while other staff handle an emergency. You also need to learn to be a nurse. They don't have time to teach you. You need to develop your communication skills and nursing process first. Good luck to you though. I've had some new grads that made it, but most don't, even with EMT experience. That doesn't teach you to be a nurse.

eppoh · Mar 17, 2000

If you are willing to learn everyday, make critical decisions, save lives, lose lives , comfort pt's or grieving families, work your a.. off, skip meals, stay late, be empathetic in the most trying of situations...(the list goes on) for 40 plus hours per week, week after week, then Emergency nursing is for you. Good Luck!

ras · Mar 18, 2000

It sounds like emergency nursing requires the same "skills" where-ever you work - but you did forget to mention the mandatory "CAST-IRON BLADDER"!!!!!

Originally posted by eppoh:
If you are willing to learn everyday, make critical decisions, save lives, lose lives , comfort pt's or grieving families, work your a.. off, skip meals, stay late, be empathetic in the most trying of situations...(the list goes on) for 40 plus hours per week, week after week, then Emergency nursing is for you. Good Luck!