[StarGirl]

Hi everyone. I'm a new grad and I just started my 12 week fellowship in the ED about 2 weeks ago. I am feeling very frustrated and down on myself and was hoping I could get some insight on how some of the more seasoned nurses felt when they were in my situation. I know I have a LOT LOT LOT to learn, but the feeling that I know nothing right now is daunting and is making me doubt myself. Did anyone else feel this way? What did you do to help? I am confident that one day I will be a great ED nurse, but what can I do in the meantime as I feel completely drained and stupid, for lack of better words. Ugg.

[MissERN]

Hi StarGirl, Let me start by saying that I am VERY familiar with the feelings that you are having right now. I've been in the ER for about 3 months. I graduated last May and did a five month intern on other floors before settling in the ER. I think back to my first days there and remember thinking "will I EVER be able to do this on my own???" Everything was so new and fast!

Hang in there!! I've been off of orientation for a couple of weeks now and I have good days and bad days. I know I have a lot to learn! One of the seasoned nurses that I work with, and respect very much, said that it took her 2 years to feel comfortable in the ER and 5 before she felt really confident. That was encouraging for me to hear! StarGirl, you are not expected to know everything right now! Give yourself a break and remember that "it" will come with time.

Don't be afraid to ask questions! How is your preceptor? Do you feel comfortable talking to them? (like asking questions and getting feedback on how you are progressing) If not then maybe there is someone else you could work with. I think that having a good preceptor is key.

Feel free to PM me! I've felt the same way you are feeling and it DOES get better. I wish you the best and I hope that you come to love the ED!

[mom2michael]

Just keep plucking along. Get all the experience you can, learn from everyone and everything. Jump in with both feet and try. If you don't know something, ask or look it up. Even if you are swamped and busy, write it down to look it up later.

I kept a small notebook in my pocket that was my bible of odd things great and small that I could pull out and ref. if needed.

I spent a lot of time asking questions or searching the net and pull out old books when I very 1st started ER. I also ask the docs, those that like to teach will LOVE to tell you whatever it is you are wondering.

If your facility has an education department and you feel you are lacking on certain skills - contact them and see if you can get some practice time in a non rushed setting.

You probably know a lot more than you think you do - but you haven't had the opportunity to piece it all together yet. When that happens you are going to have this HUGE light blub come on inside your head and you'll think...WOW....

[TX_ICU_RN]

It does get better...if it didn't I would not be about to start a RN job after 4 years off. I used to do inpatient and outpatient pedi...I am going into adult ICU. If I am willing to go through the whole process again, it must mean that there were more positives than negatives.

[Anagray]

I think that starting in the ER as a new grad is VERY hard. What you are feeling is difficult to deal with but it is pretty much expected. I am sure that you are going to do really well, don't give up! I am also wondering if something happened to make you feel so uninspired. When you have a strong, competent preceptor by their side, new grads feel good about what they are doing and how they are progressing.

From my experience it takes at least 6 months to feel comfortable doing simlpe nursing tasks, but in ER it will probably take no less than 9 months to a year. One of the ways you can help yourself is taking "homework" when you leave. Every facility has protocols, so for example, if you've taken care of patient with pneumonia print the protocol/standard of care to take home. Also, ask your preceptor or anyone else that is willing, what type of drugs they commonly administered for pneumonia and research them at home. I know this is a lengthy process, but when you do it little by little sarting off with simple stuff you will build a large database of knowlege this way.
Later, when a patient rolls in on a stretcher into the ER you will be able to pretty much figure out basically what's wrong with the patient, make a plan of care in your head and go through with it - all in a flash! Your hands-on experience will complement what you've read.

good luck!