Advice for job change

[Dempather, RN]

Hi everybody.. I need some advice. I've been on a medical telemetry unit for almost 1 1/2 years. After a recent loss of a friend and some traveling, I've realized how important it is to begin doing the things in my life that I've always wanted to do (mainly, move myself to an ER to gain experience and begin traveling to third world countries to practice nursing). I'm single, with no family of my own yet. My only large bills that I carry around are my nursing loans.

I've wanted to do the ER ever since nursing school.. but have held myself back thinking that being on a medical floor would get me the experience I need. I think 1 1/2 years is ample at this point. The ER I'm contemplating is an inner city, level one trauma. It is not the one currently in the hospital I work at. I'm scared because it's so advanced and it's new people, new hospital... seemingly new everything.

Aside from my experience, I'm BLS certified... and taking the ACLS course in March. I'd like to hear from some people who have made career changes.. either to different hospitals or different floors. I feel like, regardless of how many times I've told people that making a move similar to mine is great, now that I'm actually considering making one MYSELF, I'm scared :icon_roll. Any response would be realllly appreciated.

[Kayartea]

I have made many changes in my career, some great, some not so great, but I'm glad for all of them. Every one added something to my resume, my career, and my life. Don't know who said it, but there is a quote that goes something like, "At the end of your years you will alway regret more the things you didn't do." Life should be an adventure, so hold your nose and jump in at the deep end!

[tatarn2b2007]

I say go for it. I just started a job in the ICU after only 5 months on a busy post op floor with all sorts of overflow. I don't even have telemetry experience, but I took the chance and applied for the job and got it! I don't want to jinx it, but I could not be more thrilled. If something seems right to you, then do it. Go take a tour of the ER and possibly shadow a nurse for an hour and see if it is something you would like. Good luck.

[jlcole45]

Dempather,

I do understand the draw of moving away to the big city but ....

What about applying to the ER in the hospital that you currently work at? One of the reasons I suggest this is because you would have a bit of security by staying at the same facility. Plus you might be pleasantly surprised by the patients you see there. I can say from personal experience that sometimes the 'Level 1' trauma center ERs aren't what they are rumored to be. The best action that I have seen over the years related to trauma and emergencies were the medium sized hosptials - outside the big inner cities.

ER's are often pretty rough places - the staff tend to be folks whole like action and really aren't that interested in establishing relationships with their patients, they also tend to be pretty clicky and even cut throart (sorry guys but you know it's true!) - especially the big ERs, they attract a large population of indigent patients too - so it often is more like working in a clinic then an ER. Also moving to a new city, by yourself will be very lonely at first - especially if you are working evenings and nights (which you most defintely will be). Again I speak from experience.

ACLS is great but I would also suggest you go for your EMT at a minimum and do some time on an ambulance - there's nothing like being out working the scene of a wreck....

Again you might be surprised what you see in your local community -- rural areas are great for seeing action. The neatest stuff I saw out in the field was in rural back woods Arkansas - as a flight nurse.

And you're talking to a girl who went to school in Trenton NJ and had my first job in a north Philadelphia ER. Actually my best ER experience was in Bucks county which is located just north of Phila. We were a busy ER and the local psyche ER - now talk about some memorable cases ....

When you go to visit ERs, ask questions about how the rooms are assigned and what the ratios are. Some places are really hap hazard and the rooms are up for grabs which means that the more aggressive staff always get the interesting and exciting patients, and you get stuck with the hang nail in number 1a. Also ask what sort of training they provide, and how many of there RN's are certified (CENs). How many doctors are on duty per shift? How many nurses? etc ...

I'm not sure if I've confused you more... but I think it's important to be honest.

What I am suggesting is this --- get a job in your local ER, get some experience under your belt, go to the local community college and get your EMT, and work or volunteer for the local ambulance. Once you have another year or two under your belt - then go do a few travel nurse assignments (you will be so much more sellable with recent ER experience). That way you can check out a new area without the long term commitment and you can then choose where you eventually want to settle or not.

[Dempather, RN]

What wonderful info from you all.. thank you!

Janet, I actually already work and live in New York City. The hospital I'd be interested in is right next door. Unfortunately for that.. all of the cases go there and my hospital's ER gets a whole bunch of chest pain, falls, and disorientation.

My apartment's lease is not over until next November. Knowing I'll be living in the same area for a while.. I was interested in finding ERs around here. Going outside the city may be a bit difficult since I don't have a car.

I hadn't thought of getting my EMT certification... but, you mentioned some really good points and it's something I will consider. The trauma 1 ER does take a large hispanic population, so taking a couple courses in Spanish would be beneficial as well. And don't worry.. you didnt' confuse me at all.

Thanks again!