Starting as an ER Tech, what do you nurses want from me?

nursing.mypassion · Mar 25, 2011

butt-wiping expert jk I was a tech on a regular med-surg, telemetry floor, i thought being able to wipe the rear nicely is a skill to master as a tech every where. and of course, vital signs and its parameters, also, hopefully, they'll to teach you to draw blood and put IV's in. good luck :)

**canoehead, BSN, RN** · Mar 25, 2011

Home baking....can't go wrong with brownies.

NurseMaybeBaby · Mar 25, 2011

Home baking....can't go wrong with brownies.

hmmm, not quite what I was thinking, but ok! I did mention in my interview that I made good King Cakes, maybe that is why they hired me!?!?!

Lovelymo79 · Mar 25, 2011

I work as an ER Tech (started out as a nursing assistant on a telemetry floor, promoted to ER tech a year later). My best advice: be PROACTIVE. Anticipate what the nurses (and doctors) will need. If you're working in Triage (depending on what time I come in, I will work either in the Main ER, Fast Track, or Triage), know that if you know someone is about to come in with chest pain, get the EKG machine ready. If you're in the main part and you know said Mr. Chest Pain is coming on back, get everything ready to get him undressed, the room already has the O2 tubing ready to go, the monitor is already set and ready to go, etc.

You will be a nurse's DREAM if you think 1 step ahead of them. Of course, this takes time and getting used to, especially if you have no prior medical experience. But, you must be ready to think quickly and on your feet because things turn fast and go down hill even faster.

Be a team player and hopefully, you have a tough skin because when things get tough (and they do), sometimes ppl can be a little gruff. Not because they are mean or anything but because working in the ER is tense.

I gotta say -- you won't become a butt-wiper expert. Not saying you won't wipe any butts..but they are few and far between -- NOTHING like on the floor. I am a butt-wiper expert from working on telemetry for a year but that is the one thing I am GLAD I don't do hardly any of in the ER. :yeah:

Side note -- you're in an accelerated nursing program? How often are you working in the ER? I ask because the reason why I chose NOT to do an accelerated nursing program (I have my BA in another field) is because it is HARD to work and do well in those programs. I didn't say impossible but it is extremely HARD. I work full-time and go to school full-time and it is hard enough..and I'm not in an accelerated program. Make sure you remember that school is your PRIORITY and no job (ER or not) should come between you achieving that goal.

Good luck!

EmergencyNrse · Mar 25, 2011

Just a couple of things to give you a start:

I want a tech that's more interested in helping patients than flirting with medics...

A tech that is there to work and learn rather than gossiping @ the nurses station...

That doesn't mind getting a blanket or two for grandma that's cold after getting her nekid for her exam.

That doesn't mind bringing me vital signs rather than rolling eyes at me for asking to check on one that I just didn't get a chance to record yet.

That sees a patient come in for chest pain and needs to be placed on the monitor while I do the triage but runs out to go on break because they couldn't be bothered.

That is motivated to learn. That asks questions. That is eager to do more things rather than act put-out if something needs done....:monkeydance:

Sadly, I find the opposite traits of techs in the ER. A few exceptions here and there but it's rare.

Gurmo · Mar 25, 2011

Yes be proactive and always ask questions. I think everyone enjoys shedding knowledge especially if someone is actually interested in learning.

AnnieOaklyRN, BSN, RN, EMT-P · Mar 25, 2011

When dealing with patient's and families use common sense!

Do not become lazy and "hide"!

Happy

FlyingScot, RN · Mar 25, 2011

If a nurse asks you to do something and you've already got a list of other things to do (from other nurses) do not tell her "no" or "I'm too busy" (especially if you are at the desk!). Your best response is "I have a couple of things to do first then I'll get right on it". This lets the nurse know that you are willing but currently unable and allows her to decide whether it's a priority or not. The best response I got from a tech who was also a nursing student was "I have a list of things I'm supposed to do can you help me prioritize them" I was stunned. It took 5 seconds to help her, she learned a whole bunch and I gained a great deal of respect for her. She ended up as a new grad in our department and she rocked!

emtb2rn, BSN, RN, EMT-B · Mar 25, 2011

Lots of good advice above. Can't overemphasize being proactive.

If you have a list of things to do, EKGs come first. Always.

Expect to do a LOT of CPR. You will become an expert.

Have fun.

Traum-a-Rama · Mar 25, 2011

Please, please, please re-stock supplies when you can! I'm new in the ER myself, so I usually start my own IV's cause I need the practice, but it's sooo frustrating when I go in a room to do something, and the drawers are empty.

I love the ER cause of the teamwork and the tight-knit support system! I don't mind helping a pt to the bedside commode, hooking up my own monitors, or wiping down the bed, but please don't hide or play on your phone when I need to delegate these tasks! As soon as that warm body is out the door, the new patient is on his way back. I really hate to see patients in the hall because the room hasn't been cleaned yet.

Good luck!!! I LOVE the ER and hope you will too! Welcome:p

MissERN · Mar 25, 2011

First of all I want to congratulate you! Secondly, you will NEVER go wrong by bringing King Cake, just as long as you don't make the one who gets the baby actually bake the next one! :) (I'm kidding, of course :) I hope you love your job in the ER!

I feel that the fact that you are on here asking how you can best do your job shows a great willingness to work hard, and I appreciate that. My piece of advice is simply: Don't lose that work ethic!