ER Jitters!!??

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Specializes in Ortho, Neuro and now ER.

How long does it take for the jitters of the ER go away??

I have been in the ER for about 2 months now with previous experience in a Neuro Stepdown and Neuro ICU. I knew going into this that ER was a whole different game and I love the atmosphere and diversity of it but I find myself thinking of all the "what if's?". I know that I will have a pt aspirtate, have a drug reaction, have a pt go from kosher to coding, have major trauma, and yet I still question myself how I will respond in those situations. Of course, ABC's, ACLS but it's almost like that fresh out of nursing school feeling!!! I have always had the mind set knowledge is power and since working in the ED have looked up all the common drugs with reversals, procedures, etc which helps but then I wonder if I will remember it all. Others I have talked to at work either say "just ask questions", which I do, or "It'll just come to you".....ok but when?????

Let me in on the secret!!!!

How long does it take for this to go away?

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First of all, don't forget to pat yourself on the back for all you have done and all that you know.

I was a SICU nurse (worked in both the small community hospital and the large teaching hospital) for 5 years before I took the plunge into ER...and it was head first into a Level 1 Trauma Center. I loved it, but it was very intimidating;it took me a good 6 months to feel comfortable (and that's about how long everyone said it would take). What you are feeling is normal;if you didn't feel this way I would be worried. Remember to ask for help, remember that you are not alone and you know your abc's...hang in there!

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Specializes in Med Surg/Tele/ER.

I feel exactly the same way...I thought someone had read my mind! I also have that just out of school feeling! I told my co-workers I have never had to do CPR.....They just smiled . :icon_roll

I look up a lot of meds, & also look up things like crazy when I am at home. I have so much to learn, but thank goodness I work with great nurses & doctors! The teamwork is wonderful.

I like to push myself to go where I am not comfortable.....:bugeyes: what was I thinking!!! I have been in the ER for a couple of weeks, I worked MS/Tele for ~ 1.5 yrs. I am feeling pretty inadequate to say the least!

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Don't worry - it takes about 2 years to be really comfortable with things and 5 years to feel that you can handle anything that comes in the door! And...some jitteriness is okay - it forces you to be on your toes and not to assume anything.

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Specializes in ICU, ER.

I had 10 years ICU, and it took me 6-8 months before I felt confident, and over a year before I really trusted myself. Remember what ERfirst love RN said: do the ABC's, call for help-you are not alone. After 4 years I still ask questions and learn something new every shift. Hang in there; the ER is a great place to work.

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Specializes in Ortho, Neuro and now ER.

Thank You, Thank You, Thank You For All Your Words Of Wisdom!!!!

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Specializes in ED, ICU, PSYCH, PP, CEN.

Five years. Love it though. Wouldn't want to work anywhere else. It is the only place that makes sense.

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