[paphgrl]

I am a new ER nurse. I need help with my organisational skills. How does one stay on top of things when you have seven people, (docs, patients, familys, phone orders...) who need your attention right now! I know some of this will come with experience, but any advice would be helpful.

[Altra]

This is something I'm still learning myself, after 7 months in the ER.

The short answer: prioritize, prioritize, prioritize. You're constantly sifting through "the list" of things to be done and figuring out which is your most pressing priority. All of your patients breathing? Check. Who is your sickest patient? They're next. Who needs something completed so as not to delay further care? Next. And so on ...

The family, doctor & patient may all want your attention right now, but it's up to you to figure out who/what needs to be addressed first/next.

Good luck to you - hope you find your experience in the ER as rewarding as I have.