Community vs. Level 1 trauma

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Specializes in Emergency/med surg.

hello everyone- So I have been having this internal struggle for months now ... 

my first ER job was in a community setting I loved it - I learned so much there - I was pretty pathetic when I first started- I could not even tie a tourniquet for IV starts but they taught me!! I loved it there mostly - their staffing some shifts was pretty atrocious - they weren't super supportive of continuing education (CEN/TNCC etc). but I adore my colleagues who turned into family, I earned the trust of the providers ... after almost 2 years I made a transition to level 1 trauma center for the experience .. I landed my "dream job" well... let me tell you it is really not much of a dream anymore it's totally deflated and I just do not know why... I did my fair share of trauma GSW/burns etc.. and now it no longer entices me like it used to -- is it because this place is a cluster *** during trauma and I cant stand some of the surgical residents???

I cant explain why I love going to my PRN community ER job and kind of sort of hate to admit it... but hate my level 1 trauma job --- at my community ER job everyone knows me and vice/versa I can do triage/stat--- those roles I am not yet permitted to do at level 1 job -- (so I basically feel minimized every shift) I feel like just a number at level 1 job theres about 150 RNs I work with -- there doesnt seem to be any consequences for the not so great nurses -- and then no praise for the extraordinary nurses. I guess I feel sort of stagnant at level 1 job? (even tho they compensated for my CEN/TNCC, tuition reimbursement up to 3K/fiscal year for my MSN) I really cant explain why I feel this way!! Anyone else feel like this maybe?? or have any type of insights/advice - thank you!!

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Specializes in EM.

I feel this way, even as a provider. Working in a small community hospital--14 bed ED, with just 4 RNs and a tech on my NOC shifts is awesome. We know each other and feel the whole US for/against the world vibe. 

I worked in a level 2 and even at that care was very impersonal. There was a move the meat, next, next feeling. Not for me.

You seem much happier in your community ED. I would only advise staying at your level 1 if you are planning on EM NP. In that case, tuition reimbursement is nice, and seeing everything will be helpful when you are are the solo EM provider.

Good luck ?

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Specializes in Emergency/med surg.
On 1/5/2021 at 9:26 PM, MD married to RN said:

I feel this way, even as a provider. Working in a small community hospital--14 bed ED, with just 4 RNs and a tech on my NOC shifts is awesome. We know each other and feel the whole US for/against the world vibe. 

I worked in a level 2 and even at that care was very impersonal. There was a move the meat, next, next feeling. Not for me.

You seem much happier in your community ED. I would only advise staying at your level 1 if you are planning on EM NP. In that case, tuition reimbursement is nice, and seeing everything will be helpful when you are are the solo EM provider.

Good luck ?

Thank you!! Glad to know I am not the only one ?

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