New Grad thinking to start career in the ER

[georgehb]

I'm a 46 yo male, new grad, thinking of starting my career in nursing in a very busy ER. I have no experience accept for clinicle through school and a summer extern program. I ran a very busy business for 20 years so I know what hard work and long days are like. I would like to hear from any past new grads that started right away in the ER and if its the right move. I'm worried that I dont know enough, and do not want to fail in my first assignment.I'm hoping to hear some positive encouragement or not. Any insight will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,George

[Lunah, MSN, RN]

As the others have said, it depends on the ED, and it depends on you (the OP). I worked in the same ED as a tech for nearly 4 years before becoming an RN, and I've been a medic for 6 years, so my experience is a bit different. Was there still a learning curve? Absolutely! Now that I have a year's time in as an RN, I'm finally to the point where I know what I don't know. LOL. I had a fabulous preceptor and an ED fellowship that included classroom and online, ENA-driven learning modules, so my experience as a new grad in the ED has been a good one. It's not for everyone, for sure.

kf15, I was saddened to hear that your experience was so "assembly line," for lack of a better phrase. I have learned so much from my coworkers -- the RNs, docs, PAs, techs, x-ray peeps, etc. Do we see lots of non-emergencies? Of course -- we all do. But we also see real emergencies, and we learn from them while helping to make a difference in some pt's lives, and that rocks. Those repetitive tasks -- the uber-fast IV, the rapid-fire assessment -- come in so handy when they're second nature and you have a critical patient who's circling the drain.

Your mileage may vary. :)

[futuretravelrn]

Prefacing my question with the following: I'm a very organized, efficient, and fast paced person. Chaos doesn't stress me much, it's just life. I think fast and really want to be in the ER - I would enjoy the challenge, and I really want to be able to actually "save" lives (I'm not saying other nurses don't).........and I want to be able to travel. When I check out travel sites, there seem to be more ER openings than anything else........anyone have an opinion?

[hiddencatRN, BSN, RN]

I started in the ED as a new nurse. I love it, but it's definitely been challenging. My ED has a pretty good track record of hiring and orienting new grads. The staff has been really supportive of me- I always feel like I can ask questions or ask for help when I need it.

It's definitely not for everyone, and you're the only one who can really say if you are up for it. I also had no healthcare experience other than nursing school and would make this choice again in a heartbeat.