Hello ER Nurses!
I started in my ER in August and have extended my orientation twice (it was only supposed to be 8 weeks and I am going on my 11th). This hospital is relatively new at starting new grads in the ER and I'm not sure if this is a long enough orientation.
So my questions are: how long are your hospitals' orientation programs and what do they consist of?
Mine was a mix of ER classes and clinical floor time.
I don't feel like they could have whipped me into an ER nurse in 8 weeks, but the other new grads seem to be doing fine. I was a CNA, unit secretary and nurse extern in telemetry and ICU as a nursing student. ER was new to me.
I should have followed my gut and gone to a telemetry floor first. I know that tele floors are busy as well, but a different kind of busy than ER.
I read previous threads about new grads in the ER, so I know almost everyone concurs that new grads should go to a floor first..
But until I transfer out, I would appreciate tips on how to survive and thrive in the ER..(books to help me, what helped you..etc.)
Thanks in advance.