i have a chance to triage...

ERNurse752, RN · Dec 12, 2004

Do you have ACLS, PALS, ENPC, or TNCC?

It would definitely be smart to have some orientation and training first. Triage is where you essentially decide who is not sick vs. sick vs. critical - right now, or potentially. You have to know s/s of just about everything and be able to start getting an idea of what's going on with them, keeping in mind potential outcomes and complications. And it can get pretty hairy when they're all sick and all breathing down your neck.

The amount of training you will need will depend on your background in nursing. You also need to consider your personal liability if you don't have any of the above training. But definitely don't just walk into it.

Good luck, and hope you eventually make it to the ER. :)

SnowymtnRN · Dec 13, 2004

Do you have ACLS, PALS, ENPC, or TNCC?

yes, yes yes and yes. lol I am going to talk to her and ask for at least a few days of solid orientation, which i'm sure she'll be amenable to. Wish me luck and thanks for the advice!!

ERNurse752, RN · Dec 14, 2004

I hope they give it to you...if they don't, run! Have fun in the "penalty box!"

NetSteff · Dec 27, 2004

Wow.... at our facility you have to be 1) an ER RN(no float, no agency) who has worked at our facility for at least a year and 2)have gone through a precepted triage orientation before you can work in triage. Even with ACLS,PALS,TNCC, etc..... it's still the hot seat of the ER.---Good luck

needsmore$ · Dec 27, 2004

Wow.... at our facility you have to be 1) an ER RN(no float, no agency) who has worked at our facility for at least a year and 2)have gone through a precepted triage orientation before you can work in triage. Even with ACLS,PALS,TNCC, etc..... it's still the hot seat of the ER.---Good luck

Same as us, Netstaff. Triage should be for the highest trained, most experienced ED nurse- I believe that the ENA recommends 1 yr ED experience, ACLS, PALS certified and CEN preferred. Many triage decisions can be based on a "gut instinct"--something that takes more than a few days orientation to develop.

Anne

needsmore$ · Dec 27, 2004

Our triage orientation includes 16 clinical hours w/ a preceptor, and written exam based on CEN triage questions that you have to pass before you can sit at triage. We have developed a triage training tool/handbook as well. You must have worked at our facility at least 1 yr-and be recommended for training by our director

Anne

dm2 · Dec 27, 2004

Triage done right requires specialized rapid assessment as well as well exercised critical thinking skills, wonderful people skills, & organizational skills.

Some of my coworkers say it is for the lazy or slow, a penalty or even a neccessay evil, if you want to work ED ....... I disagree! It is very challenging to do well. While my facilty at this time only requires you have 6 months ED experience at our ED, that is in the process of changing corporation wide to require specific training as well which is being provided by "triage First" company (check 'em out......)

I just say "throw me into that brier patch" and run as fast as I can to triage whenever I get the chance! Hope you get the chance and take advantage of all the training in it you can get to do it well.

Lilith · Dec 31, 2004

I agree with Needsmore....triage is the scariest job in the ER! In smaller ER's, you are usually the only one out there, and you are responsible for every person in that waiting room from the minute they walk through the door. The sickest people are easy to miss, as they usually quietly sneak in and crash - while the GOMER jerks are screaming at you at the window or creating some other distracting rucus in the WR. Some nights everybody will sign in "chest pain" or "can't breathe" regardless of their real complaint, because they think it will get them seen faster.

Trying to thresh out the fake seizures and the drama queens from the truely sick pts. often requires experience with very subtle signs and SX. Again, in my ER you must be an ER NURSE for atleast one year - doesn't matter how long you have been in another field. That "first shift alone in triage" usually leaves the nurse battered and shaken, muttering "I had no idea it was this hard!" All this and, remember, you are supposed to only spend 5-10 minutes assessing these patients and making these critical desicions. The position is NOT akin to being a receptionist...it requires a tremendous amount of advanced clinical judgement, training, experience, and riot control skills.

Don't get me wrong, I wish you luck....but I think you should know what a tremendous undertaking this is. It also involves a large risk to your license if you treat it lightly and dive in without proper training and experience. I think your nursing mgmt. is extremely misguided to be thinking it is a good place to stick pool or float nurses. :uhoh21:

Fun2, BSN, RN · Dec 31, 2004

With all this required experience, how does anyone get into the ER? :uhoh21:

Don't get me wrong, I'd rather have someone that knows what's going on, but I'm just thinking about the nurse's view point. (I personally don't want to be an ER nurse, at least I don't think I will want that. lol)

SnowymtnRN · Jan 1, 2005

With all this required experience, how does anyone get into the ER? :uhoh21:
Don't get me wrong, I'd rather have someone that knows what's going on, but I'm just thinking about the nurse's view point. (I personally don't want to be an ER nurse, at least I don't think I will want that. lol)

I personally believe that given the right person with right skillset and right background and orientation/training, that they can do this job effectively. I think a lot of hospitals ask for a bit too much as stated by some of the previous requirements.

I've done the med/surg, LTC, cardiac rehab, post op cardiac care and pediatrics. Need something new and different to challange me. Won't know til i try it! :rotfl:

teeituptom, BSN, RN · Jan 9, 2005

Triage can be fun and challenging to work at

Triage can give you all sorts of unique experiences

Triage can improve your assessment skills to the 10th degree

Triage can improve and challenge your interpersonal skills

Triage can improve your care of those linguistically challenged

But overall triage makes you see how stupid humans are, you will hear some of the stupidest statements, you will talk to some of the stupidest people, you will talk to some of the meanest and nastiest and most verbally abusive and even physically threatening patients. You will see things your mama never wanted you to see.

All triages should come equipped with a built in Police officer armed with AK 47

and pepper spray and a Taser gun also.

But deep deep deep down, I really love triage