ED orientation

[finch]

Just wondering what other ED's are doing for orientation for RN's new to the ED who do not have previous Critical Care experience.

Does anyone included time in Critical Care as part of ED orientation for these individuals? And, if so, how long?

[RNin92]

Alright-it says you are from Illinois-BUT I am thinking you work where I do--HA HA -I guess it just goes to show you E.R.'s are the same where ever you go. Our "N" shift is full of IN-EXPERIENCE-SCARES THE SH** OUT OF ME-if a trauma is called prior to my shift ending then I can't bare to leave until I have made sure it's no one I know and love. I may have said this at some point, but I am not a fan of new grads in critical care. I am okay if there is one or maybe two, but man when that is all your director hires, it begins to catch up with you, then it turns into a "babysitting" situation. We are a 34 bed ER and when most of your RN's lack experience, it becomes a scarry situation.

I know how you feel!!

And it isn't the fault of our new grads...although they think so. Most of them are very smart and try so very hard. But my God...it is way sacry sometimes. My background is critical care and I am scared out of my mind sometimes...I cannot imagine how these "kids" are getting thru!!

But wiht the nursing shortage...what is the answer?

Plus, they are so many more choices for nurses today that many are leaving the hospital setting...and taking their experience with them!