[BSNgrad2004]

i just applied for a job at Childrens National Medical Center in wash,d.c. in the ER. I currently work in chronic hemodialysis and prior to that i was working in med-surg/peds. I've been a nurse for almost a year now. To those of you who work in PEDS ER, can you tell me what its like? I just want to get an idea of what the job entails and if you enjoy your job.

[suzanne4]

Quite a bit of trauma, accidental as well as non-accidental.
This time of year brings in the bicycle accidents, near drownings, etc.
and unfortunately, more and more child abuse cases..............

Then the routine asthmatic patient, that can require emergent intubation.
Kids that swollow a foreign object and it gets stuck...............

These are just a few that come to mind right now............
Hope that this helps..............

[suzanne4]

Quite a bit of trauma, accidental as well as non-accidental.
This time of year brings in the bicycle accidents, near drownings, etc.
and unfortunately, more and more child abuse cases..............

Then the routine asthmatic patient, that can require emergent intubation.
Kids that swollow a foreign object and it gets stuck...............

These are just a few that come to mind right now............
Hope that this helps..............

And dealing with family members undergoing a crisis. This can be one of the most difficult things that you would have to deal with................

[MAGIK GIRL]

i worked in a peds/trauma er. it was great. nice change from adults!

[BSNgrad2004]

what kind of traits/characteristics are needed in peds er

[MAGIK GIRL]

Originally Posted by BSNgrad2004

what kind of traits/characteristics are needed in peds er

just be yourself, act like a kid when you need to and FORGET all of the big words you have learned in school. the kid won't understand and the parents feel stupid and intimidated. when they feel like this and don't understand,sometimes they won't inquire any further (an attempt not to look stupid in your eyes) and not understand your instructions.

and remember, you are thier only advocate between them and the md. also their protector from them, residents and interns.

[BSNgrad2004]

thanks for the replies guys. my interview is next wednesday. what are some good questions to ask ?

[MAGIK GIRL]

Originally Posted by BSNgrad2004

thanks for the replies guys. my interview is next wednesday. what are some good questions to ask ?

what is the average nurse/pt ratio, what is the staffing like, etc. i would also want to know what certifications the nurse needs to work there.