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Discussion

ER Jitters!!??

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?

Featured Replies

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!

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!

  • Experts

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.

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.

  • Author

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

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

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