Am I cut-out for ED nursing?

WRNCEN · Jul 10, 2012

do you have the ability to multi-task, be a quick learner, keep your cool in a crisis, have a "back bone" or strong willed, ask questions when in doubt, prioritize, and have good time management? These are questions you need to ask yourself before even thinking about ED nursing. I would suggest setting up a shadow experience with a nurse to view operations from the nursing angle. Emergency nursing is a very rewarding position. I went into ED as a new grad, I always say you either sink or swim, but you have to be strong willed to survive.

sserrn, BSN · Jul 10, 2012

Based on my off-work personality, I doubt anyone would've recommended the ER for me. But I love it. Forget about having the right personality type or characteristics...the important thing is would you like it.

Radnurse54 · Jul 10, 2012

I was an ED nurse for 28 years and frankly I think it is very hard for a new graduate to step right into the ED especially a smaller one where every team member must carry their load and there is a short orientation period. I would suggest that you have a year of nursing experience, so that you can figure out your strengths and weaknesses and then arrange for a shadowing experience in the ED where you would like to work. Also, ask about their orientating process and if they provide mentors for their new employees.

It can be rewarding, frustrating, sad and crazy and that can be just in one hour.....

ToughingItOut · Jul 10, 2012

Personally, I think it takes a strong personality and a great sense of humor. I don't know if you necessarily have to have a strong personality, but it's a stereotype, and I think it helps. I interviewed to for an ED job as a new grad, and THANK GOD I did not get it. I wound up in NICU, not only my dream job at the time, but also much better suited to my slightly more timid, OCD personality. Good luck and let us know how it turns out!

StrivingForward · Jul 11, 2012

The fact that you're interested in working in the ED reveals that you may very well be cut out to work in the ED. The worst thing that can happen is that you'll find out that the position is not for you and find another unit that's a better fit. I've been told to give it a year before you decide against the ED - once you get over the steep first year learning curve, you'll be able to better assess whether the ED is right for you or not.

I'm a new grad that started in the ED 6 months ago. During nursing school, I had always wanted to work in the ED. The environmental exposure to fast paced work and interesting cases was what enticed me. However, an overwhelming majority of people told me they saw me as the perfect pediatric nurse. Though I carefully considered their advice, I just knew inside that my personality seemed more fit for the ED, and my close friends agreed. And here I am today, loving the experience in the ED.

An important characteristic to have in the ED is flexibility. You must be able to be constantly flexible with your schedule and in adjusting your nursing priorities. One moment, your priority may be to start an IV line, the next minute, your vacant room may be occupied with an active cardiac arrest and demand your next moment's attention.

Another characteristic to have is professional and emotional composure, though this does, in part, come with experience. When orders are waiting to be completed, a patient is requesting to talk to you about questions they have, and two squads just arrived to your rooms, you must maintain your composure and be able to "step-back" mentally, assess the situation to determine what to do next, and remain calm.

Also, have the characteristic of a team player. This phrase has almost become cliche, but it's so so so important in the ED. What makes an awesome ED nurse is a person who looks out for their "team", is eager to help others, and has both an encouraging and positive attitude. Always have the "how can I help you?" mentality.

Last, but certainly not least, you must be willing to learn. There's a huge learning curve when starting in the ED. There will be so many new cases and techniques you'll be exposed to, which can be overwhelming, but it will greatly aid you in becoming a more experienced nurse.

I wish you the very best :) Cheers!

evansmum · Jul 11, 2012

The fact that you're interested in working in the ED reveals that you may very well be cut out to work in the ED. The worst thing that can happen is that you'll find out that the position is not for you and find another unit that's a better fit. I've been told to give it a year before you decide against the ED - once you get over the steep first year learning curve, you'll be able to better assess whether the ED is right for you or not.
I'm a new grad that started in the ED 6 months ago. During nursing school, I had always wanted to work in the ED. The environmental exposure to fast paced work and interesting cases was what enticed me. However, an overwhelming majority of people told me they saw me as the perfect pediatric nurse. Though I carefully considered their advice, I just knew inside that my personality seemed more fit for the ED, and my close friends agreed. And here I am today, loving the experience in the ED.
An important characteristic to have in the ED is flexibility. You must be able to be constantly flexible with your schedule and in adjusting your nursing priorities. One moment, your priority may be to start an IV line, the next minute, your vacant room may be occupied with an active cardiac arrest and demand your next moment's attention.
Another characteristic to have is professional and emotional composure, though this does, in part, come with experience. When orders are waiting to be completed, a patient is requesting to talk to you about questions they have, and two squads just arrived to your rooms, you must maintain your composure and be able to "step-back" mentally, assess the situation to determine what to do next, and remain calm.
Also, have the characteristic of a team player. This phrase has almost become cliche, but it's so so so important in the ED. What makes an awesome ED nurse is a person who looks out for their "team", is eager to help others, and has both an encouraging and positive attitude. Always have the "how can I help you?" mentality.
Last, but certainly not least, you must be willing to learn. There's a huge learning curve when starting in the ED. There will be so many new cases and techniques you'll be exposed to, which can be overwhelming, but it will greatly aid you in becoming a more experienced nurse.
I wish you the very best :) Cheers!

I really appreciated reading this! Sorry to jump in, OP, but I am a new grad and was recently offered a FT spot in a very busy ER/level II trauma facility. I am actually relocating from Florida to Virginia for the job...I'm a bit spontaneous and a thrill seeker. I am nervous, yet excited, for the opportunity to grow and learn! Plus, I feel so blessed to have been afforded the chance as a new grad. Thanks for the words of eadvice!

Dynamic, dynamic, dynamic...dream big, achieve all things!

TheGirl07 · Jul 12, 2012

Thanks everyone for your responses! I am taking time to evaluate my strengths & weaknesses to decide what jobs I should apply for. I would hate to get into a position and then not be able to handle it, or fail at it and have to be placed elsewhere or let go! That would be my worst nightmare!

I think most people would not envision me working in ED but I am attracted to it for some reason. The nurses all seem so competent and able to handle anything. I admire that and I guess want that for myself.

Weaknesses vs. strengths

1. I'm not very fast at anything but I do it right and I don't have to do it again. But I did get into trouble with my Med-SurgII prof for not moving fast enough. (she was a ED veteran of 25yrs)

2. I wouldn't say I thrive in chaos but I worked for 3 yrs in a daycare where I held down a room of 12 to 14, 2-3yr olds without problems.

3. I wouldn't say I multitask well but I thrived at the daycare with just enough to keep me constantly on my toes and moving from one task to the next.

4. I tend to take criticism personally but I also take advocating for my patients personally and try to treat them how I would want to be treated.

5. In emergency situations (such as my grill/propane tank catching on fire last night) I never think I know what to do but when confronted with it, I handle it like a champ.

6. I have often taken charge of difficult situations and calmed the people involved. They've said things like "if you weren't around I don't know what I would have done" and "I need to keep you around for all my emergencies" (though these haven't always been medically related).

@StrivingForward - you mentioned flexibility and to that I tend to get a little flustered, but I did handle working at a daycare for 3yrs where NOTHING ever goes as planned! People have told me I would be good in peds too - we have that in common. Thanks for your insight!

Ziptxtech · Jul 15, 2012

I came right out of nursing school to a Level 1 and did great. I had a 3 month long orientation that worked out well. We had 11 new grads hired and we all love it and are doing well.

brainkandy87 · Jul 15, 2012

I think a new grad with the right skill set and attitude can flourish in the ER. I think a few key essentials are confidence, multitasking, quick thinking and quick to pick up new things, and most of all: the desire to constantly learn.

ED_Chris_RN · Jul 21, 2012

I started at my local hospital while in nursing school as a NCP (CNA). I floated to every unit but I excelled in the ED so they decided to make me a tech. I worked as a tech until I graduated. I remember my first day in the ED as a NCP, I went home and cried. I never wanted to go there again. But after my second or third time floating there I quickly found I never wanted to work anywhere else. It isn't for everyone, but it is certainly for me. I think the qualities of mine that help are that I am incredibly energetic, I was in the military so I handle change and crisis very well, and I have the ability to not get emotionally attached to some very sad situations. I also do not bring my work home with me. Good luck!

NurseOnAMotorcycle, ASN, RN · Jul 21, 2012

Talk to the nurse manager of the unit about shadowing for a shift. It's a good way to get a taste test.