Advice on being a student in the ER

[RookieRoo]

Hi lovely ladies and gents,

I am a student in an accelerated BSN program and I am getting ready to start my senior capstone placement with a preceptor this summer. I just found out I've been placed at an ER in a pretty nice hospital- so excited because this was my first choice! Furthermore, this is what I want to DO- be an ER nurse, I mean. I have a little bit of EMT background and I also have done ~5 rotations in the ER throughout school... I love it there.

I really want to make a good showing and perform well this summer. I also want to not be in the way and to be helpful. If anyone has any suggestions or things you've seen students do or not do that has been really good or really bad... Let me know! I want to help and I want to learn.

thanks in advance!

[emtb2rn, BSN, RN, EMT-B]

Know your scope. What will you be allowed to do? Ask questions, but at the right time, that is, not during the code. Please don't say to your preceptor "but that's not how we do it in school" in front of the patient. Help out with patient care, i.e., get your hands dirty.

We use these internship type situations as an extended interview. We look to see if you'll fit into the group. Have fun, good luck.

[Nalon1 RN/EMT-P, BSN, RN]

If your preceptor is not sitting down, you should not be sitting down (unless they are one of the type that stands when charting).

Try to anticipate needs. Keep a few IV catheters, Saline flushes, alcohol preps, syringes and needles in you pocket. Ask questions, but don't be annoying asking questions the entire shift. If you don't know something, admit it, and ask for help or clarification if your not sure.