[hollywolly81]

Hi there,

I am an RN student and I just got hired as an ER tech. The only experience I have is my two semesters of clinicals, which we all know is a joke, and I have spent LOTS of time observing in the ER too. What are some resources that you can recommend to me for communicating with patients and how to develop myself to be helpful yet assertive in the ER? The majority of my position will be working with isolation patients (i.e. TB, drunks, Baker Acts) and I want to be sure that I will be able to do what I need to do with them when they are hostile and not with the rest of us in reality. I'm excited about this job, but I'm nervous because I know I am not naturally assertive but I want to make sure I still have a nurse's bedside manner.

[traumaRUs]

Holly - congrats on the new job! I'm sure they will offer a lot of orientation? Maybe addressing these questions to the unit educator would help with how your particular hospital wants things handled. Always being nice, professional and keeping a physical distance is a good way to start. Good luck!

[purplemania]

I agree with TraumaRUs and would add that you do not touch people without permission or unless they are in restraints. There are a lot of liability issues with this population, so your facility should offer training. Be sure you know how to locate policies & procedures. I am not an ER nurse, but this site might give general info:

www.trauma.org.

Good luck in your career!

[RN TiggerGirll ER]

There is also a book the ENA has for Emergency Room Tech. www.ena.org, that may help.