Doubts

Published

I'm still in school, pre-requisites. My goal is to be an ED nurse.

Yesterday there was a fairly serious car accident right by my house - we heard it happen. We went outside and approached the vehicles. Before I got close, I totally and completely froze - my body wouldn't move and I started physically twitching (my face, arms, legs). It only lasted for a few seconds, then I moved on and checked on the people in the vehicles and started bossing everyone around - had someone call 911, someone else take photos, someone else direct traffic, etc.

Now I find myself doubting the ability to handle intense situations. What if I freeze and someone is seriously hurt? I can't imagine a patient wants to see a twitching nurse about to administer meds. What is this is just how I am? Is this something I should be concerned about (I mean, I already am, but I'm not above over-reacting).

This is the first time I've really doubted myself. It's disconcerting.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Perhaps relevant: I'm on a moderately high dose of prednisone at the moment.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Education.

Don't. Things that happen in the street can feel very intense, especially if you've never dealt with it before. Very few people don't get the shakes around their first trauma situation...

And regardless of what you see on TV, a lot of ER nursing is the day-to-day little things. Chronic abdominal pain. Headache. Vomiting. And when there is something big and crazy, you won't be expected to be the one in charge until after you're done with orientation, and sometimes not for a lot longer. Plus, ER is a very team-oriented department. There is always backup, someplace.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in CMSRN, hospice.

I feel like you wouldn't be human if you didn't somehow have that mental pause in situations like this. This means NOTHING about how you will do as an ED nurse! Nursing school, and orientation at your job, is all about getting you prepared for these moments. You'll learn how to prioritize and assess the most important stuff first (e.g. ABC - airway, breathing, circulation) and how to respond to the problems you will see. I've been a nurse for almost two years, so not terribly long, and I think it's pretty normal to have that microsecond of, "Huh?" or other not-as-nice words when facing a new and/or emergent challenge. Maybe it's not possible to feel totally prepared for everything, but you will have your education and your team to help you through those mini-freezes and get back to taking care of the patient.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in SICU, trauma, neuro.

At this point you're as equipped as any other layperson to handle intense situations. You'll learn what to do...possibly after blanking during your first code. The beauty of nursing is we usually aren't alone.

And yes, prednisone can do odd things to us. (I remember being in high school shopping for a new flute, and CRYING because I liked the gold mouthpiece on one, but liked the sound of the other one better. Yeah. I did.)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

You guys are the best, thank you so much much! I feel 100xs better.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Education.

We're nurses. We call it like it is, give you support when you need it, but will point out fallacies and alternative opinions when it's needed, too. Sometimes very loudly.

(And as a veteran ER nurse and prior to that paramedic? There are still things out there that make me take a second and go "huh.")

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care and ED.

Don't feel that way. Attending in the field is very different to attending in a clinical environment. In a hospital everything is ordered and clean and there are protocols and experienced people all around. In the field there is chaos and panic. What you experienced is perfectly normal. Follow your dream.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
At this point you're as equipped as any other layperson to handle intense situations. You'll learn what to do...possibly after blanking during your first code. The beauty of nursing is we usually aren't alone.

And yes, prednisone can do odd things to us. (I remember being in high school shopping for a new flute, and CRYING because I liked the gold mouthpiece on one, but liked the sound of the other one better. Yeah. I did.)

Agreed, with all of this. You learn to manage your stress reactions by having knowledge that reduces the initial fear, and learning through your experiences and the leadership of the more experienced nurses around you.

You did just fine with what happened, and I'm sure a few seconds of pause don't detract from your potential to be a great ED nurse.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

Moved to the Pre-Nursing forum for more responses.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Psych.
Don't. Things that happen in the street can feel very intense, especially if you've never dealt with it before. Very few people don't get the shakes around their first trauma situation...

And regardless of what you see on TV, a lot of ER nursing is the day-to-day little things. Chronic abdominal pain. Headache. Vomiting. And when there is something big and crazy, you won't be expected to be the one in charge until after you're done with orientation, and sometimes not for a lot longer. Plus, ER is a very team-oriented department. There is always backup, someplace.

I love this comment.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I think you handled it well! You froze momentarily then took charge of the situation. Nursing, like everything else takes practice and time.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion