[dream'n]

Thank you, thank you, thank you, to all of the ER nurses. I spent most of yesterday and the night in the ER with a family member and I hadn't been in one for quite a few years. Wow, what an eye-opener. You ladies and gentlemen are awesome, I don't know how you do it. The place was PACKED with patients each looking worse than the other, heck it looked like a MASH unit. But the whole time, everyone on staff was courteous, professional, and friendly. Everything ran like a well-oiled machine and every patient got the care they needed. Even as a nurse, I think I would run screaming if I had to deal with even a fraction of the patient 'tital wave' you ER nurses do. Wow, you guys are impressive.

[BlueRidgeHomeRN]

Originally Posted by dream'n

Thank you, thank you, thank you, to all of the ER nurses. I spent most of yesterday and the night in the ER with a family member and I hadn't been in one for quite a few years. Wow, what an eye-opener. You ladies and gentlemen are awesome, I don't know how you do it. The place was PACKED with patients each looking worse than the other, heck it looked like a MASH unit. But the whole time, everyone on staff was courteous, professional, and friendly. Everything ran like a well-oiled machine and every patient got the care they needed. Even as a nurse, I think I would run screaming if I had to deal with even a fraction of the patient 'tital wave' you ER nurses do. Wow, you guys are impressive.

DITTO- ED scares me half to death (as pt and RN!) I have had nothing but great care in two states--its a different world when you are the one sick and scared!!

[aileenve]

I echo Dream'n; I had to take my husband in during a blizzard and I GREATLY appreciated their kindness and help.

[Larry77]

I think I'm sick and twisted because I actually have the most fun when we are absolutely slammed, the halls are full, the waiting room is full and I'm running my ass off, you might even here a WOOHOO from me now and again (my co-workers look at me like I'm crazy...lol).

There are some things about ED nursing that are not fun (ie death and crying kids) but as a whole it is a blast.

[traumaRUs]

The chaos is what I loved about the ER too. The more I pushed myself, the better I felt.

[Blee O'Myacin]

Originally Posted by dream'n

Thank you, thank you, thank you, to all of the ER nurses. I spent most of yesterday and the night in the ER with a family member and I hadn't been in one for quite a few years. Wow, what an eye-opener. You ladies and gentlemen are awesome, I don't know how you do it. The place was PACKED with patients each looking worse than the other, heck it looked like a MASH unit. But the whole time, everyone on staff was courteous, professional, and friendly. Everything ran like a well-oiled machine and every patient got the care they needed. Even as a nurse, I think I would run screaming if I had to deal with even a fraction of the patient 'tital wave' you ER nurses do. Wow, you guys are impressive.

So remember that when we are forced to call report 1/2 hour before or after shift change!!

I'm sorry you had to spend your night in the ER, hope all is better.

Blee

[RN-Cardiac]

I'm with Laryy,.I'll take trauma after trauma any night!! I love the pace! Thanks to the OP!!

[evilnightwitch]

I also lover working ER the busier the better! I absolutely love high acuity patients needing meds and procedures now. I pride myself on be highly organized at work and very efficient. All my coworkers are the best and we have a great time even when bad situations present. Thank you for your thanks and understanding. Hope all is well now!

[dream'n]

Thanks for the replies. Mom has been admitted and is already doing much better.
It's funny because when I first started nursing school years ago my dream was to be one of you guys, so experienced and in control, ready for anything. But as time has passed I've realized I wouldn't have been very good at it, as much as I wished I could have been. Since, I've learned where my personal strengths are, even if they aren't what I originally wished they would be.
So watching you guys in action yesterday was so cool and garners so much of my respect. I just wanted you guys to know that.

[RNKatePSU]

Originally Posted by dream'n

Thank you, thank you, thank you, to all of the ER nurses. I spent most of yesterday and the night in the ER with a family member and I hadn't been in one for quite a few years. Wow, what an eye-opener. You ladies and gentlemen are awesome, I don't know how you do it. The place was PACKED with patients each looking worse than the other, heck it looked like a MASH unit. But the whole time, everyone on staff was courteous, professional, and friendly. Everything ran like a well-oiled machine and every patient got the care they needed. Even as a nurse, I think I would run screaming if I had to deal with even a fraction of the patient 'tital wave' you ER nurses do. Wow, you guys are impressive.

I'm glad to hear you had a good ER experience, Dream'n. I'm not and have never been an ER nurse, but I just wanted to write in support of the nurses who work at the ER you visited. I think it would be wonderful if you would write to them or submit a formal "thank you" to show your gratitude. The reason I suggest this is because often times we hear and see all of the bad things our patients ("customers") think about us and our abilities. I believe the stats are something like...people are 7 times more likely to complain about something bad than to compliment something done well. At the health clinic where I work, we get the occasional complaint about one thing or another (often times they're unfounded...but still...) but it really makes us feel good when someone takes the time to formally compliment and thank us for a job well done.

It's just a friendly suggestion. Once again, glad to hear your experience went well. Take care!