E.D nurses "set up to fail"

[nurs2012]

Hi, I'm currently a nursing student about to graduate in May (2012). I am working as a nurse intern in a level 1 trauma hospital and got the chance to work in the E.D the other night. I loved the environment but when talking to my professor about it the following day he said "stay away from the E.D, nurses are set up to fail". This really bothered me because obviously as a new grad I don't want to fail ! I'd like to work in the E.D out of school but even if I get experience first, I'm wondering why he thinks E.D nurses are set up to fail and if nurses who work in the emergency department feel the same way? Thanks

[~Mi Vida Loca~RN, ASN, RN]

i couldnt agree with you more!!

i am a new grad in the ED (i am just in my 3rd week now)

Luckily the newgrad program that I am on allows me to have 6 weeks orientation with a preceptor (an amazing nurse-- i am very lucky!) so i am not completely thrown into the deep end on my own... i recommend finding out how long of an orientation you get because i really think it is crucial. I am slowly learning how to handle 2-5 patient loads. All of the staff have been welcoming and extremely supportive given the chaotic (organized) environment!

I have had previous experience as an EMT which was a HUGE help.

My advice to you as a student is don't just stand and observe thinking that you will do it next time... just get into it!! Ask to do things.. ask other staff if they need help (if you have time to spare of course)

6 weeks seems pretty short. Our hospital makes all new Grads have 6 month orientation all while taking new grad classes geared towards the ER. Even the experienced nurses get about 8-12 weeks (experienced non ED nurses)

[~Mi Vida Loca~RN, ASN, RN]

My coworkers are awesome, but the system is the set up.

How so?

[GM2RN]

Though this is not a floor vs. ED thread ... I find it interesting that you pin deficiencies in physician orders on the nurse. Many a time when giving report I have found myself saying, yes, that really is his blood sugar ... that's why he's being admitted. If it was a fast fix, we'd have done it and discharged him.

Back to the regularly scheduled thread ... :)

Altra, I thought the exact same thing when I read that post. If there were that many issues with that pt at the time of admission then the ED doc is seriously incompetent. On the other hand, I would also expect that the ED RN should be competent enough to question the pt's condition and have good answers ready for the receiving RN if there are any, and if not, advocate for the pt and have the doc address the issues of concern.