New RN in ED

LaurenRay1983 · Feb 16, 2014

Nursing school is NOTHING like working in the real world. You're not alone in feeling that way. you'll look back in a few months and be astonished at all the things you've learned so quickly. Ask away most of your co workers will be happy to help. It's better to be "annoying" than unsafe/reckless.[/quote'] you are so correct! :)

junejames · Feb 24, 2014

So now that it's been a month, how is the job going? I have an interview Wednesday for ER position as a new grad so I'm curious! Also, did you have any scenario questions in your interview?

LaurenRay1983 · Feb 24, 2014

So now that it's been a month how is the job going? I have an interview Wednesday for ER position as a new grad so I'm curious! Also, did you have any scenario questions in your interview?[/quote'] it is going great. I love the people I work with. No I don't believe I did on your q about scenarios.

LaurenRay1983 · Feb 24, 2014

So now that it's been a month how is the job going? I have an interview Wednesday for ER position as a new grad so I'm curious! Also, did you have any scenario questions in your interview?[/quote'] it is going great and no I don't believe on scenario q's.

c.kelly20 · Feb 24, 2014

Hello! I'm not a new grad, but I'm pretty close. I graduated in June 2013 and worked on a medsurg floor for 6 months before beginning my new job in the ED. Aside from the orientation classes, I've only been working there for about a week. My orientation period is about 5 weeks long, which feels pretty quick to me. As I said, I don't have a lot of nursing experience either, so coming from a floor to ED is a huge learning curve for me as well. Thankfully, my preceptor is one of the best in the ED and very knowledgeable. I feel like I know nothing all over again, and everything is completely different than that of a floor.

I sympathize with how you're feeling and I am wishing you the best of luck. I think an ED is truly where one will learn to be a nurse, because we have to be very good at a lot of different tasks. If your employer offers classes for ACLS, PALS, basic arrhythmia, etc., I recommend taking them (if you're not already required). All of those are important in the ED and will educate you that much more. I am terrible at putting in IV's as this was something that wasn't pushed in nursing school or on the medsurg unit I worked on, so I'm nervous every time the opportunity arises... But you have to be willing to push yourself out of your comfort zone and just try it anyway. Always ask questions, even if you think it might be stupid-- it's the only way you'll learn. If you don't feel ready to be off orientation when it comes, tell your boss you'd like an extra week.

GOOD LUCK!!! :cat:

LaurenRay1983 · Feb 26, 2014

Hello! I'm not a new grad but I'm pretty close. I graduated in June 2013 and worked on a medsurg floor for 6 months before beginning my new job in the ED. Aside from the orientation classes, I've only been working there for about a week. My orientation period is about 5 weeks long, which feels pretty quick to me. As I said, I don't have a lot of nursing experience either, so coming from a floor to ED is a huge learning curve for me as well. Thankfully, my preceptor is one of the best in the ED and very knowledgeable. I feel like I know nothing all over again, and everything is completely different than that of a floor. I sympathize with how you're feeling and I am wishing you the best of luck. I think an ED is truly where one will learn to be a nurse, because we have to be very good at a lot of different tasks. If your employer offers classes for ACLS, PALS, basic arrhythmia, etc., I recommend taking them (if you're not already required). All of those are important in the ED and will educate you that much more. I am terrible at putting in IV's as this was something that wasn't pushed in nursing school or on the medsurg unit I worked on, so I'm nervous every time the opportunity arises... But you have to be willing to push yourself out of your comfort zone and just try it anyway. Always ask questions, even if you think it might be stupid-- it's the only way you'll learn. If you don't feel ready to be off orientation when it comes, tell your boss you'd like an extra week. GOOD LUCK!!![/quote'] wow you are right! I've only been in the ED for a month and I have learned so much. I'm only PRN at this time hoping to go full time when the opportunity arises. Thx for your info. Great response.