Calling all new ER grads starting Feb 2013

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Hi. Im starting this topic for any new grads or new to the ER. I think it will be good to come here to compare notes, encourage, vent and support each. I myself, am so nervous and excited at the same time. Will I be a good nurse, will I learn quickly, will I easily pickup a good technique to start IV"s or blood draws. I'm in count down mode to start my new career, 22 days. My orientation will be 4 months

Specializes in being a Credible Source.
I'm a new grad, passed my NCLEX January 4th and have started working in the ED. Everyone is really nice, but I feel so stupid. I just never learned a lot of this stuff in school. For instance, last night I learned that if you are giving 1 gram of Rocephin IM, you mix it in about 2 mls of Lidocaine (depends on the mgs, but roughly). I find myself looking things up every day after I get off work. Meds, procedures, etc. I feel it will never change, and I'm feeling like a fish out water. Today my director gave me this little guide which I am finding useful, some of you may as well:

Amazon.com: Emergency & Critical Care Pocket Guide- 7th ed. (9781890495589): Paula Derr, Laura Criddle, Rhienna Guedry, Albert Carranza, Windy- Ayres Wray: Books

It's a great little reference.

It's also available as an app for a smart phone.

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Specializes in Primary care.
I'm a new grad, passed my NCLEX January 4th and have started working in the ED. Everyone is really nice, but I feel so stupid. I just never learned a lot of this stuff in school. For instance, last night I learned that if you are giving 1 gram of Rocephin IM, you mix it in about 2 mls of Lidocaine (depends on the mgs, but roughly). I find myself looking things up every day after I get off work. Meds, procedures, etc. I feel it will never change, and I'm feeling like a fish out water. Today my director gave me this little guide which I am finding useful, some of you may as well:

Amazon.com: Emergency & Critical Care Pocket Guide- 7th ed. (9781890495589): Paula Derr, Laura Criddle, Rhienna Guedry, Albert Carranza, Windy- Ayres Wray: Books

I have this pocket guide also. I am starting on February 4th. I have 12 weeks of fellowship. I want to make most of it and learn as much as I can. I consider myself book-smart but not too much hands-on experience with IV insertion etc. we will be trained and I guess I should get over my nerves and dive into it.

I would greatly appreciate any advice on how to conquer self-doubt and fear. I am expecting to have anxiety and timidness but I don't want these emotions to hinder my learning. Please share how do you conquer them.

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Specializes in being a Credible Source.
I have this pocket guide also. I am starting on February 4th. I have 12 weeks of fellowship. I want to make most of it and learn as much as I can. I consider myself book-smart but not too much hands-on experience with IV insertion etc. we will be trained and I guess I should get over my nerves and dive into it.

I would greatly appreciate any advice on how to conquer self-doubt and fear. I am expecting to have anxiety and timidness but I don't want these emotions to hinder my learning. Please share how do you conquer them.

I conquered them by reminding myself that (a) they wouldn't have hired me if they didn't think I could do it and (b) if all these other people could do it, there's no reason that I could not also do it.

Don't engage in negative self-talk... take your thoughts captive.

"You can't stop the bird from landing on your head but you can stop it from building a nest." - Greg Laurie

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Specializes in Primary care.

Thanks! You make a good point!

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Thanks everyone for responding to my initial post. I will try to take your advice [COLOR=#003366]♪♫ in my ♥ and not engage in negative self talk. I too feel like I'm more book smarts too [COLOR=#003366]bokerglory . I start Feb 10. [COLOR=#003366]Racer15 dont feel bad that you are looking things up, bc thats just means you are taking initative and your willingness to learn and I know I will be doing the samething as well. I know nothing about IV's or mixing drugs, so u r already head of me. I just order the pocket guide, thanks .

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Hey All, Karlene from CT here.. i start at a local trauma 2 here on Monday, Jan 28th I haven't really been told anything about orientation or about anything. All i know is that the first day will be classroom based and i will have 3 more days of GN classes 3 weeks apart. haha. but it will be an amazing experience. I hope it is what I make it. I do have some other experience, I spent 6 wonderful years as an army medic in the Guard(although I was not honored with a deployment) and have been an EMT since 2008. I am excited for the ride although I am sure it will be full of ups and downs. @RACER15- I feel the same way- I am sort of afraid of looking and feeling stupid- but they and I know this is my first rodeo as a nurse. Hope all is well with you and your journeys! Keep In Touch!

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Specializes in Emergency Department.

I will be starting Feb 10 as a new grad in the E.R. I have been a tech in the same E.R. for a year and I am so glad I got in when I did. I have my IV starts down and am so glad I do not have to worry about that when I transition over. I will be getting that CEN book though, sounds like it would be a big help. I am nervous but excited at the same time. One additonal problem I might face is transitioning over from a tech to a nurse in the same E.R. Has anyone else had this problem and how did you tackle it?.

Congratulations to the new grads and to ChristineN for coming into our crazy world of E.R.

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Here are a couple of great resources for EKG's and ACLS.

ECG Simulator | SkillStat Learning - Fast, Fun and Effective!

acls-algorithms

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Thanks for the info

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I'll be starting a new grad ED position on 2/4. Super excited! Good Luck to all :)

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I am a fairly new grad (June) starting in the ER on feb 25th. Will have 10 weeks of orientation. Super excited but scared to death at the same time.

Looking forward to reading the posts here. Congrats to you all.

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1 year med surge experience. but starting in the ed next week yikes im scared help me lol!

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