Am I ready for a trauma I center?

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Specializes in Emergency Room, Cardiology, Medicine.

I've had 1 1/2 years of tele/step-down experience. I think I'll have a couple choices as to which ER I want to work in. I know Trauma I's hire new grads.. but how do I know if I'm ready for one?

I keep hearing different things.. mainly to start in a Trauma II (but I plan on traveling as an ER nurse after my experiences in the ER I accept the job in.. so shouldn't I try to get as much experience as possible?).

I sent my resume to trauma I's, trauma II's, and non-traumas. Mainly in inner city areas.

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Specializes in Trauma ICU, MICU/SICU.

Hi,

I don't work in the ED but I can tell you that I work in a Level 1 trauma center. We also have 2 other sites. The ED in our level 1 TC is extremely busy. It has a high turnover rate but hopefully now that we have added beds and staff this will help. I have friends that have started in ED in our facility (Level 1) and hated it and didn't last and those that started at our other facility loved it.

As for level 1 vs. level 2 I'm not sure that is as important as how busy an ED and how thorough an orientation you will receive. Do you know anyone that works in the ED at either hospital? I would ask them, and see what they think.

Also there is another level 1 trauma center that is a much smaller hospital with many less ED visits. If I were starting out in ED and wanted level 1 I would choose the smaller hospital with a more managable ED.

Good luck wiht whatever you decide.

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Specializes in Emergency.

Have you looked into their training programs, both for new grads and for experienced nurses? I would say to stick with the ER that has the most comprehensive training program and offers the most education. Also consider the importance of teamwork in the ER you are choosing. The pace and variety for trauma pts as well as non-trauma pts can be insane in a high volume ED (probably also in a low volume one).

Are your coworkers going to be working together well? What is the nurse/pt ratio? Do you have EMTs/care techs/etc working with you and how many? What can and can't they do (LEGALLY in your policy and procedure LOL-they can and will do just about anything when needed to). Will you have a resource who can help you when you get 10 ambulances back to back and can't place a line or have a concern but no md because they are intubating or otherwise incapacitated with the 9 other ambulances? Are the doctors working hand and hand with you and will they value your input? I couldn't make it without the help of my coworkers, and the ED docs are just amazing. The transition from tele to ER is HUGE. Good luck! I am sure you will make the right choice for you!

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