What made you decide to do ER Nursing?

I started out in the ER as a new grad. Like you I didn't have a preference. The ER just happened to offer the job first. And here I am almost 2 years later! I am actually looking to move to a less acute area.

I took an inventory of work activities I enjoyed - they all seemed to point to ER nursing. I had already been an RN for 18 years when I switched and had always thought that it would be too stressful, so I had avoided it. But I feel like it is a good fit for me. I don't know how confident I would have been doing it straight after graduating - it might be an idea to do some med surg first -you can get some pretty critical/difficult patients to look after. But then if they have a new grad program available then why not - just make sure you get a really good preceptor. Good luck.

For me it was the fast-paced world of medicine.

I mean, where else can you go and work 12-hrs and give up your lunch break most of the time?
To live off maybe 2 diet Cokes and perhaps 1 trip to the bathroom all shift?
I almost considered starting smoking because most smokers WILL take all their breaks.

Hmmm, sometimes it's the satisfaction of telling that woman that came in for chronic knee pain for the past 8 months (and it became an emergency @ 2:30 a.m.) that she doesn't meet emergency criteria and has to wait for "just a little while".


Maybe it's the puke, diarrhea, and foley catheters... well, the smell anyway. Ooooh, GI Bleed <sniff-sniff> Love it.

Speaking of smells.... Nothing quite like the smell of a homeless, unkempt alcoholic that drinks Listerine to get high.
The metabolized listerine coming through those pores will make you forget really quickly they're also incontinent bowel & bladder (for the past week).


Seekers! Gotta mention the seekers. The patients that spend more time in the ER than YOU do and they PAY you to be there.

What seems to be the trouble tonight? Back Pain? Abdominal Pain, Headache? The duragesic patches, methadone and oxycontin don't seem to be doing anything for you??? Wow.
The percocet-10's don't seem to work any more for your "breakthrough" pain. Hmmmmm, that's strange.
Are you allergic to any medications? All NSAIDS, Toradol, Codeine, Lortab, Ultram, and Haldol. Thought so...
(anyone telling you they're allergic to Haldol, BIG RED FLAG)
What seems to work <cough-cough>...? Starts with a "D"??? Demerol, Dilaudid? Oh yea.

Naaaah, none of that. It's the blood and guts. Trauma!

-The man vs. Car... Motorcycle v. Truck... Truck v. Train. (How do you get hit by a train really. Not like they swerve to take you out).
-The person that pours the gasoline on the fire to "get it going better".
-The one that thought he could make that jump.
-The one that was walking down the street minding his own business that got shot by "a couple of dudes"
-That guy that crashed that only had "3 beers" with a ETOH level of 426

The list goes on and on. I just love it. Wouldn't do anything else...

EMT to Medic to ER RN very similar style to working Medic-quick pt. turnover, very diversified trauma to peds to ob gyn to cardiac arrest, exciting. I would have wilted going directly from school to Med Surg

You know what? I didn't know if I was "cut out" to work in the ER either. I knew that I thought I would like to work there, but I was afraid that I just wouldn't have what it takes. I have a laid back, quiet personality, and am not naturally assertive. I am, however, able to take charge when needed. I've learned a lot since I started working in the ER, and I absolutely love it! There are all kinds of personalities in the ER!

I started out as a med/surg nurse but got tired of being a maid and doctor's doormat. I like the ER because there is more autonomy, more variation, more experiences, and more excitement. I personally like to see and do procedures and I like the acuity of the ER. To be an ER nurse, you must be comfortable with death and must work well under pressure. Honestly, it's all about personality and no one can tell you if you're right for the job...you have to try it and see if you like it.

Yes some ERs hire new grads

Yes in your case (though not all cases) I'd personally recommend some floor experience first (for debates on whether floor experience is necessary, see other threads where this is debated ad nauseum)

Yes I think the ER could stilll totally be for you.
There is indeed a stereotypical personality type that people picture an ER nurse to have. Type A, loud, assertive, confident, no-BS attitude, etc. And the people who fit that are amazing, no doubt. Its a powerful personality but it also has its fallbacks just like any other.
I've worked in the ER for awhile and I've seen ALL types of personalities thrive there!
You'll also find that you BECOME more assertive, confident, etc with good old fashioned time and experience.
Good luck!

So true! Lots of heavy duty up front assertive Nurses that balance out with a few lo key attitudes also. Thats what makes the ER fun so many multifaceted personalities

I came to the ER when we moved to another state and they didn't have very many openings. They did have 2 part time positions in the ER that they put together to give me full time. Worked in that level one trauma center for 10 years!

Love the ER!

I'm an APN now (adult) and back in school to do peds....only prn now.