Could I cut it in ER?

[DroogieRN]

I'm a new nurse, nine months since NCLEX and I've worked since that time on an IMC/Tele floor. Lately morale is in the toilet and we work short nearly every shift. I love the idea of the floor and cardiac in general and really thrive much of the time, but when we are understaffed (which lately is constantly), with the acuity of my patients, I often drown. I work hard, don't take breaks, etc. Everyone tells me I am a very good nurse but it is hard to feel like one in these conditions. I keep at it because I feel like if I can make it on this floor, I can make it anywhere, but it is getting to me. Add that to the fact that I tend to be a little unsure of myself. I realize no place is perfect and I'm not looking for perfection; just trying to find my niche.

I find myself looking more and more toward ER. Mine is a relatively small suburban hospital -- no big traumas. But I am growing to hate traditional floor nursing and don't want to grow to hate nursing altogether.

As a relatively new nurse with my experience so far, is ER something I might go for? I would appreciate any advice; thanks in advance.

[mybrowneyedgirl, BSN, RN]

I started new in ER. I love it. I think you should give it a try. Keys are multitasking, prioritization, basic disease knowledge and being aware of changes in patients over time. You'll learn all the drugs and procedures. I say give it a try. When I was new, I was offered a tele floor job and then the ER one and I chose ER. I don't regret it. Love the variety

[dthfytr, ADN, LPN, RN, EMT-B, EMT-I]

Give it a try! It's the only way to find out if the ER is for you. It's not for everybody. Some people could never do ER, but then I could never do LTC or OR. If you find it isn't for you, there are plenty of other areas in nursing, eventually you'll find your niche.

[NaKcl, BSN, RN]

you should give it a try. you will never know until you try it first.

I think your previous nursing experience will help you in ER.

Good luck!

[EmergencyNrse]

Of course my love is in the ER. I HATE it on the floor.

Don't do it because you're short staffed... we're usually short as well and we can't stop the flow of patients. Can't turn them away. Can't pick and choose your assignment. The ER is balls-to-the-wall all the time. It's hard work but rewarding.

I say you if you're serious about the ER you should pick up some shifts down there first before you make the switch. If you don't like it you might be going from the proverbial frying pan into the fire... My

Good Luck.