Roles

kidnurse24 · Oct 18, 2002

lol! what role do nurses not play in the er

tubbs · Oct 18, 2002

Well, i'm a new grad in the ER as well as new member to this forum and i hope my inexerience in both doesn't reflect adversely. Before the MD even lays eyes upon my patient i have already set the plan of care into motion. My assessment is as thorough as possible in each situation because i know that the docs rely on my skills to help bail them out when the s___ hits the fan. I start ivs, order labs, perform ekg's, obtain and review old records, and send patients to x-ray depending on the event sometimes before reporting to a physician (when busy). If i had bothered waiting until a doc could see my patient, nothing would get done efficiently. Having said this there is a chance for a missed opportunity. As a nurse, my "gut" tells me a lot. IF my gut and physical assessment don't jive, the MD is going to know quickly before i do anything further. You see, ED nurses sometimes become weathered and get tunnel vision awfully quick. This is when patients suffer. So to answer your question, nurses do a lot to set the plan of care in motion before the doc see's them, but should also be cautious. After all i see my self as a detective; i must get all the information i can before presenting my case to the very, very busy physician. Hope this helped. BY the way, i think the best nurse-physician relationships are demonstrated in the ED>

kaycee · Oct 20, 2002

The role of a ER nurse can be IV team, respiratory therapy, tech, secretary, dietary, housekeeping, social worker, case manager, babysitter, referee, and MD. We are the world!

bear glacier · Oct 20, 2002

task master.

massEDgirl · Oct 21, 2002

WOW tubbs......as a new grad in the ER I think you explained things just wonderful!!........want to come work in MA??

Lilith · Oct 25, 2002

massEDgirl....

I also am a new grad ED nurse in MA. If you don't mind, I am curious where in MA you are working? I am in Western MA.