what not to do/say the first day of work in the ER

Specialties Emergency

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Specializes in ED, PCU, Addiction, Home Health.

Hey All!

I finally got confirmation, I'll be starting my ER job in about a month. I'm totally excitied, but a little aprehensive about all the stuff I "don't know".......

I do know that ER can be a little "different" kind of culture with it's own jokes and acronyms. So, what would be some really stupid stuff that would peg me a newbie as I start this job?

The obvious one would be to ask if I can take "my break" right after they call an incoming "trauma code". I plan on stocking my locker with Slimfast for the on-the-go lunches.

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Specializes in Corrections, Psych, Med-Surg.

No matter WHAT you say or do, you will be pegged as a newbie, so just figure that will happen.

The least productive thing to do would be to pretend that you know it all or to give suggestions to the others about how "better" to do their jobs. Don't talk about "how we did it at my last job."

Be a sponge and learn all you can, ask questions when you do not understand, take no PERSONAL abuse, DO NOT EVER GOSSIP OR LISTEN TO ANY GOSSIP, and give it time.

Same thing with any new nursing job.

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I have to agree with SJoe. I'd like to add a little--

Never decline an opportunity to do something new while you're being oriented/precepted. ERs do thousands of different things--if you don't jump in and do it when the opportunity arises, you may not see it again for awhile...all this obviously with safety in mind first. Don't just stand there and observe--get your hands dirty! And never, ever say "We always used to do it this way" or "Back when I was at (name your previous experience or employment) we always had--". Guaranteed to annoy your new coworkers.

That said, enjoy working in the ER! It's always been my first love--always a challenge, always an adventure, and always rewarding (as well as exhausting sometimes...but that's a different thread! :chuckle ). Keep us posted as to how it's going!

Dakota

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Specializes in ER.

Never never NEVER remove restraints without at least 3 people watching.

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Specializes in Emergency Room/corrections.

CONGRATS!!! I knew you would get the job!

as far as suggestions, I think you have already been given some great ones. The sponge idea is always excellant, ask questions, be enthusiastic and dont let your guard down.

heres my suggestion of the day: never ever EVER give Narcan to a heroin overdose without the application of 4 point restraints first. :D

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Congrats - I have worked level one ER for almost 8 years - couldn't imagine working anywhere else!

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Don't talk too much. I mean this in a nice way.....

Ask questions if you don't know. Really, you don't want to kill someone.

Don't be a know-it-all. There's time for that later.

NEVER, NEVER, NEVER.....say the "Q" or "S" words. (Quiet or Slow). NEVER, EVER, EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

:p

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Don't talk too much. I mean this in a nice way.....

Ask questions if you don't know. Really, you don't want to kill someone.

Don't be a know-it-all. There's time for that later.

NEVER, NEVER, NEVER.....say the "Q" or "S" words. (Quiet or Slow). NEVER, EVER, EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

:p

And we mean NEVER!!!!!

:rotfl:

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Specializes in ED, PCU, Addiction, Home Health.
And we mean NEVER!!!!!

:rotfl:

That is SOOOo funny! I came from a hospital where we truly believed in the Q-word-curse. My current floor doesn't understand that when someone let's the Q-word slip, that you MUST pay homage to the "admission god" and dance around the nurses station 3 times! So, we ultimately get "slammed".

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