ED to Informatics ... nervous!

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

So here I am, on the cusp of a huge change. I have been working in the ED setting since 2005, as an RN since 2008, and I have achieved many things: my BSN, MSN, CEN, CPEN, TCRN, and a lot of other random certs and accolades while also holding on to my NREMT-P (13+ years!). I've managed a trauma unit in a war zone. I've had a wonderful run as an ED/trauma RN. The ED has been my passion for more than a decade.

I completed my MSN in Informatics in December, and with my husband being accepted to the med school of his choice (so proud of him!!!), we are moving to a city with a LOT of hospitals. Almost a ridiculous amount! I love it. But being the ED/ADD girl that I am, I want to do everything and work everywhere. There was a time when I literally worked in every ED in my current city, and it was a bit too much. I know this about myself — I overextend my energy resources a lot.

I am getting older, I have a bad hip thanks to Afghanistan, and maybe it's time for me to not act like an adrenaline junkie all the time and take a seat, slow it down. So I applied to an informatics-related position that would be Mon-Fri, 0800-1700. Still some stress I'm sure, just a different kind. But I have to admit that I am freaked out at the prospect of this change. Leaving the ED is bittersweet. Being an ED RN is part of who I am. You know how you meet people and they say "I'm a nurse"? I always say, "I'm an ER nurse." You know ... we claim it, we're proud of it.

I had a unique opportunity just last weekend to participate in the CEN passing point study (if the percentage needed to pass goes up, I'm sorry! lol), and I met a lot of awesome ED/trauma nurses from around the country. One of them has transitioned to informatics, and he loves it. That took some of my trepidation away. I keep telling myself (and I told someone here this same thing very recently) that if I dislike this new role, the ED will always be there. (So true ... the ED recruiter at the same hospital as the informatics position cold-called me the other day, lol. I told my informatics recruiter to watch out, he's poachin'! We had a good laugh.)

I finally made mental peace with this change (I expect an offer next week after an in-person interview with the director), when up pops a trauma nurse educator position yesterday, working for someone I know. lol. GOOD GRIEF. So yeah, I applied for it too. I am a mess!!!! This is a great predicament to be in, I know. I have another offer from a burn ICU. I have so many options. I surprised myself by NOT applying for a single bedside ED position.

For those of you who transitioned from the ED: how did you do it? Did you do PRN at another ED to "wean" yourself? Any regrets? I have had people express disbelief that I would achieve CEN/CPEN/TCRN/all my experience and then "walk away," as they put it. That's not how I see it, of course.

Thoughts from those of you who have moved on after a long time? I'm struggling. I feel like I'm breaking up with a longtime boyfriend who is kind of a jerk a lot of the time. Haha.

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Specializes in Emergency Department, ICU.

I have nothing of substance to contribute to your questions, I just have to say again how excited I am for you!!! You deserve all the opportunities you are given. :D

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

Thanks, girl! It's exciting, for sure. :) I think I needed something besides just a new ED and learning where all the supplies are, haha.

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Specializes in ER, IICU, PCU, PACU, EMS.

Pixie, I have watched you 'grow up' over the years here on AN through all of the certifications and degrees. I am so proud of you! I know I sound motherly, but eh, who cares! I am excited for you in your new journey. I have no advice for you other than do what's best for you.

The ER is a mystical place where you can love it and hate it at the same time and always seem to go back to it. Many nurses I know who have left into other areas either do some sort of PRN work until they eventually stop or go cold turkey and enjoy the memories. It's a badge of honor to say you've worked in the ER. I'm looking to change later this year. Like you, I'm at a point where I need to find something a little less frantic and let the younger nurses go bonkers. I'll look forward to see how you deal with the change.

Best wishes! I know whatever you do, you'll be successful.

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Specializes in Emergency.

Luna, go for the trauma educator.

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.
Luna, go for the trauma educator.

I applied, and I talked to the recruiter already - she's the same one who recruits for the Burn ICU, so she must think I am insane. lol. There are some things about the trauma educator position that make me hesitate, but I will see where that leads. Though I am seriously leaning toward Informatics + PRN ED. We'll see! Exciting stuff.

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.
Pixie, I have watched you 'grow up' over the years here on AN through all of the certifications and degrees. I am so proud of you! I know I sound motherly, but eh, who cares! I am excited for you in your new journey. I have no advice for you other than do what's best for you.

The ER is a mystical place where you can love it and hate it at the same time and always seem to go back to it. Many nurses I know who have left into other areas either do some sort of PRN work until they eventually stop or go cold turkey and enjoy the memories. It's a badge of honor to say you've worked in the ER. I'm looking to change later this year. Like you, I'm at a point where I need to find something a little less frantic and let the younger nurses go bonkers. I'll look forward to see how you deal with the change.

Best wishes! I know whatever you do, you'll be successful.

Thank you!

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Good luck!

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Specializes in Emergency Medicine, Injury Prevention.

Just Follow your heart, just like your gut it is usually right. You have to do what makes YOU happy, in the end that is all that matters....right:cat:

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

I had a realization after interviewing for the trauma educator position: I wrote something very, very similar to this job description as my "dream job" for one of my grad classes, I think it was for my "Professional Role Development and Ethics" course. I mean, it was almost EXACTLY what I'd be doing for this job. LOL. So if my "dream job" shows up gift-wrapped with a big red bow, who am I to ignore that?? Both interviews went well, but I cannot ignore the fact that I do not want to completely leave the bedside, and this would give me the option to still pitch in with traumas. I hope to be able to make a final decision next week!

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Specializes in Family Nurse Practitioner.
I had a realization after interviewing for the trauma educator position: I wrote something very, very similar to this job description as my "dream job" for one of my grad classes, I think it was for my "Professional Role Development and Ethics" course. I mean, it was almost EXACTLY what I'd be doing for this job. LOL. So if my "dream job" shows up gift-wrapped with a big red bow, who am I to ignore that?? Both interviews went well, but I cannot ignore the fact that I do not want to completely leave the bedside, and this would give me the option to still pitch in with traumas. I hope to be able to make a final decision next week!

Sounds exciting! Keep us posted...

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

I was offered the trauma educator position today, and I accepted it! Super excited. Looks like I am not ready to be non-clinical yet. Lol.

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