I am a public health nurse that may be making a change to become an ER nurse.
Aside from, of course, extensive on the job training, does anyone recommend anything? Any books (I've been on Amazon.com and searched for "emergency nursing"), but is there anything else all of you would recommend? Either in terms of book learning or didactic (clinical) learning?
If this has been previously discussed, I apologize. I am eager to learn from everyone's wisdom on this board.
Welcome to the family. Start looking at your critical care classes. ACLS, PALS, TNCC, ENPC. They will clear up alot. And I agree quiet kids are dead kids. Find a good person in your ED to mentor you. And keep every text, flyer, hand put you ever get in classes. They will come in handy sometime. I like mosby "ECG's made easy" for rhythms. And ENA is a wonderful resource. Join the ENA and you get the emergency nurses journal from them which I think is a wonderful resource.
Don't freak out with every quiet kid though...When i was growing up, i was kind of shy and didn't say much...and sometimes i was just sleepy. With all kidding aside, emergency medicine by tintinalli is a great reference book.
Something my preceptor told me. ABC's will save your ass..so will documenting. But in a code situation ABC's will save you.....medications and all that could get you in trouble. If you're not familiar with all that...leave that to the experienced......first go back to basics.....ABC's.....ambu? O2? Suction? code cart? Pulse? IV access? MD? Not neccessarily in that order...usually all at the same time.
Dubin's definitely great for learning EKGs in a easy non-stressful, non-threatening way...that book has been around since probably before me and every time I hear about a book for EKGs its that one...
Also this link is for a book that is my BIBLE, its called fast facts by Kathy White..not quite pocket size but chock full of great info...there hasn't been one thing yet that I needed that wasn't in there...It comes complete with sections on CV, Hemodynamics, ACLS, Stat meds, Drip tables, EKG, Pacing, RESP, Neuro, renal/endo, lab/ivs/bld, and sepsis guidelines and a whole bunch of new stuff they just added, plus you can add any of the 4 optional topics of trauma care, IABP, CV Surgery, and peds...did I say I love this book??
What a GREAAATTT EKG website, LOVE it!!! It's a great refresher, I am going to tell my coworkers, it really makes you learn it and doesn't give you hints. Awesome!
JohnRN04
33 Posts
Don't freak out with every quiet kid though...When i was growing up, i was kind of shy and didn't say much...and sometimes i was just sleepy. With all kidding aside, emergency medicine by tintinalli is a great reference book.