[TruDivaRN]

Hello All,

I just graduated on Saturday, and today I was offered a position in the ED at a local hospital. I'm kinda nervous about it, what do you guys think?

[Larry77]

What kind of orientation will they give you, is it an intern position? Have you had any exposure to emergency nursing? Sorry I have more questions than answers for you.

The argument to go into the ED right out of nursing school is an old one which has been beaten to death on here if you want to search the topics.

If this is a place you want to work at and you like what you've seen so far in ED and they will give you descent training...go for it!

good luck,
Larry

[TruDivaRN]

Well, we are supposed to receive 6 weeks orientation with a preceptor, and then we will be released to the wolves........

[Back2School@40]

I started in the ED as a new grad, and absolutely loved it. Our training was pretty extensive though. I was hired in with 4 other nurses, and we had a didactic orientation period of 8 weeks as a group. We then were placed with preceptors for a period of 6 weeks. Once we were on our own there were Mentors scheduled for about 8 weeks to solely be a resource for the new grad group. We were very well supported in our new roles, and ultimately I think that is the key. I wouldn't work anywhere else but the ED!!!!

[traumaRUs]

The only way for a new grad to competently come to the ER is with very solid orientation. Above poster is right on: orientation must consist of didactic and clinical time and ideally should be between 12-16 weeks and incorporate the ENA (emergency nurses assoc) resources. 6 weeks is not nearly long enough.

[TruDivaRN]

Well, maybe I should rethink this position

[NewbieEDRN]

Originally Posted by SOON_2_BE_RN

Well, we are supposed to receive 6 weeks orientation with a preceptor, and then we will be released to the wolves........

Yikes! Only 6 weeks? Mine was 3 months, and I still didn't feel anywhere near prepared to be on my own.

[emtb2rn]

Got a job offer from my local ED (which I accepted). Will be starting in August after I graduate (June) and take the NCLEX (asap). 12 weeks orientation, 1:4 staffing ratio (yeah, I know, s%*t happens, but it seems like good planning), managers with good reps (even among folks who left!), good attitude among the staff (know a lot of them from my experience on the EMS side) and close to home (10 minute drive, might just ride my bike when it's nice out). Didactic includes ACLS, PALS, TNCC, IV cert and basic hospital orientation. I'm pretty stoked.