ED workload

[amzyRN]

Just wondering if others have found that the physical demands (and stress level) are higher in the ED compared to other specialties?

I have found this the case, but I've only worked med/surg, tele, step down. I haven't worked in the ICU yet. I've had ICU patients in the ED but would had to take more patients than I would have in the ICU.

I don't know if this is going to be sustainable long term. Some of the older nurses on the unit get to sit down because they get to do triage. I notice that my present facility gives the newer people the more labor-intensive assignments.

I have been sick way more this year and feel like crap when the day is over. Is it my facility or the specialty? If it's the specialty, what have you done to help this effect. Are there other specialty that are as exciting and interesting as the ED?

I dislike floor nursing, wouldn't go back to it. But is ICU different? How about OR or cath lab? Thank you for any info you have

[Lunah, MSN, RN]

I have only worked ER, but I have found that the physical requirements vary between ERs. Layout, resources, patient population, acuity, etc., will drive the daily efforts. I know people who have been in hectic ERs for a couple of decades, and then nurses who could only do it for a few years. I think basic health and wellness among the nursing staff is a huge factor too.

[guest769224]

I agree with you that ER wears you out. I come with an ICU background (and still work ICU), but got a second position in ER, and man it's a steeper learning curve than I anticipated. I find myself more intimidated by low acuity patients. The sick sick ones are where I feel comfortable.

But yes, my body is tired and aches by the end of a shift. Constantly running around. I'm on my feet more than sitting, which is opposite of the ICU. I think it is the specialty as a whole, not just your facility. Mine is the same. I'm still trying to figure out how to best cope with the physical demands. A back massage at the end of each shift would be heaven.

ER is so broad and I envy the veteran nurses for their knowledge base, one reason I made the move to ER.

But OR and Cath lab would be way chill... maybe give those a shot. They usually pay more and you get to sit and chart much more often. No doubt about it, ER is taxing on us.

[Nalon1 RN/EMT-P, BSN, RN]

They are both mentally and physically tiring.

When I came home from working ICU, I was more mentally tired than physically.

When I come home from the ER, I am physically more tired than mentally.