Newbie to the ER

[Annken]

Hello all,

I am soongoing to start working in the ER at a community hospital in my hometown. I have previously ony ever worked Neonatal ICU and briefly Ped ICU, any advice or words of wisdom? I am pretty nervous but very excited too to start something new and challeging!

[bopps]

Okay!

Be confident

Develop a thick skin if you don't have one already, you will need it

Take care of yourself

and finally

"IF NOTHING ELSE STAY CALM"

Good luck

Have fun!

[analee23]

You'll do great! I love being an ER nurse!

Just remember: The ER works very differently from the floor. In the ER we like to keep em movin... figure out the problem and then Discharge, Admit, or Transfer!

It can be quite hectic, and even a nurse with tons of experience needs to get used to the difference in flow... so just take a deep breath and know that it may take a little while to get the hang of things.

Good luck! It's definitely an exciting, fun job!

Analee

[JoJo445]

Your experience with pediatric pts should come in handy in an ER. And the nurse...Annalee is right ...we like to "Treat em and street em".

[Treat et Street]

Read "House of God" by Samuel Shem. Pay attention to the "Rules" in the back. The book is a little outdated, but the principles don't change.

[JailFNP]

Great Choice. I started my career in ER. Best bet for a newbie - get involved with Emergency Nurses Association. ena.org. Get educated. Take as many alphabet courses as you can. ENA may have a state chapter where you live. Go to their national conferences. And above all, enjoy the challenge!