Qualities of an ER nurse!

Specialties Emergency

Published

I want to become an ER nurse but feels that I lack something to become 1.

Can somebody help me, what qualities must a nurse posses to become

a good ER nurse.

Tnx everyone!

Specializes in ED staff.

Prioritize, prioritize, prioritize. Delegate, delegate, delegate! Trust your gut! Be a sponge, absorb any wisdom experienced nurses can give you. Us old timers only do things that work. Oh yeah, and you have to be supersticious (did I spell that right?) Never, ever say the "B" word or the "Q" word! Bored or quiet, kiss of death! Don't speak of a specific patient or they'll show up!

Specializes in ER.

Rather than saying think on your feet I would say reprioritize on your feet.

You were going to clean that pt up before admitting then? Well not now, there's a multiple casualty inbound. Your pt was a stable abd complaint? Not now, the wife tells you she hears him stepping out of the room to use his nitro spray (the one he didn't tell you about). You were cleaning up the shallow hesitation 'cuts' on the drama-teens wrist? Not now, you're pulling the drug of choice for TCA overdose when her ingestion declares itself. You were going to resume chest compressions on the gas station attendant you just defibrillated? Not now, he had enough petrol fumes trapped in his chest hair to ignite.

You can keep a neutral face and say something that doesn't erode theraputic rapport when a man tells you he tried to unclog his wifes nephrostomy tube with a piece of wire, 'but it didn't work.'

Those are all true stories BTW, I love this job

You're a little bit ADD, you understand that ICU nurses are a little bit OCD

You're only half kidding when you say it isn't a good day unless you have blood on one shoe and vomit on the other.

Specializes in CVICU, ER.

I love all these posts! :yeah: They are all why I love the ED. They are true words of wisdom, take advice from them all. Everyone can tell you what it will be like, but it's like I imagine skydiving would be.... You never really know until you jump for yourself! Oh, one thing I can add... If you can stick it out a little past the phase "What have I got myself into, I can't do this", it will pass and you will love it. Unless you just absolutely hate every minute, then you will know it's just not for you

Test yourself. If you see a pool of blood and say "yikes".. then ED is not for you and if you say "wow".. jump in.. watch this funny clip about ED Nurse. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54CUnjcg-Gs

and if you can attentively talk and listen to 2-3 other people while eating and on the phone.

Ok excuse my "fantasty" here...

I would love to work in the ER...

I've done alot of thinking and I think I would excel here! I'm quick on my feet and I am not squimish, I am an excellent person at judging priorities, and my feelings are NOT easily hurt...

Thing is I feel for kids... I can't imagine seeing them so low...

Now this could change but...

there is no Adult Section??

See... I could handle death, serious gore, abuse, pretty much all that is out there... and more with out blinking... But as of this moment I think I'd cry losing a peds pt or I might wanna tackle the mom who beat lil johnny...

thoughts?

Specializes in A and E, Medicine, Surgery.

Even the most seasoned ED nurse still gets upset when it is a paed. Contrary to popular rumour we do not have our emotions and tear ducts removed on induction! There is a support network to deal with children but it is important to remember we are touched as professionals, the parents are touched as humans and the people who love that child most in the world. If we are so outwardly upset we cannot function we cannot help the family and part of what we do for the child is to help the parent.

In the cases where the parent has also caused the injury then our mantra is that they are still the parent and our job is to treat the child. The judicial system will hold any abuser accountable and pass judgement, so that is not down to us. An ED is not the place for judgements whatever they are about.

good luck with your journey

Thanks... I hope during ER rounds I'll find out what's what...

I know I can do it...

Specializes in Med Surg, ER, OR.

thick skin, hard head, humor, and a lil bit of xanies goes a long way! crack helps too, or so ive heard!

Thick skin, a large bladder, and a small stomach! LOL...just kidding!

You need to be able think on your feet, and think fast. ER nurses are more autonomous than floor nurses for the most part. It is not uncommon for me to suggest and order for the doc. Also you need to be able to care for any type of patient. This could be a 3 day old infant or a 103 year old. Any diagnosis as well. Say you don't want to work with peds- then the ER is not gonna work out for you. Hope this helps a bit! I'm sure some more good answers will come along.

That's why it's the only clinical field of appeal to me. Having been a paramedic and cop I can't think of a better suit. In fact, if I finish and can't find an ER job I'll probably stick with the blue lights, lol.

And dont argue with drunks! there! I am done:D

Why not? It's kind of fun. :D

Specializes in CVICU, Obs/Gyn, Derm, NICU.

Would add ability to think VERY objectively.

The abiiity to establish rapport effectively and quickly

And last, not least ... a Type A personality comes in handy

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