ER nurses a different 'type' than others?

Lev, MSN, RN, NP · Jul 8, 2015

I do both...went from the floor to the ER while keeping my PRN med surg job. Working in the ER makes working the floor much easier because I don't get freaked out by things that used to freak me out and if there's an issue I actually know what to do before calling the provider. Plus my time management has improved dramatically. If anything, I think I am more "ICU type" than "ER type", but I can definitely do ER...still like ER more than floor. I have never done ICU, but I like working with critical patients (once they are settled) LOL.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jul 8, 2015

I would never want to work in the ER. I bow down in respect to all the people who are willing to work in the ED because my personality isn't conducive to it at all. I'm the total opposite of an adrenaline junkie. Too much action and stimulation drives me nuts.

As I type this post, I am seated at work while sipping my coffee. I have a dry type B personality and a preference for routinized workplace environments. Basically, I need plenty of downtime and the comfort of predicting how the shift will progress.

I would be driven absolutely crazy if I had to report to work and not have an idea what I'll walk into. The beauty of nursing is that there's a specialty for everyone.

level1 · Jul 8, 2015

I'm just a nursing student, but I could not see myself in nursing if I couldn't work ER or CCU. I'm greatly attracted to the pace and rigors of the ER and general floor nursing is so boring to me. I think that it draws certain personalities for sure.

BecomingNursey · Jul 8, 2015

Yup. ER is it. The only type of nursing for me. It fits my personality perfectly. I freaking love it and can't see myself doing anything else!

sissiesmama, ASN, RN · Jul 8, 2015

Yup. ER is it. The only type of nursing for me. It fits my personality perfectly. I freaking love it and can't see myself doing anything else!

Me too!! Love it!

Anne, RNC

Madigan · Jul 9, 2015

What is the difference between ICU, CCU and ER, loosely? ICU is kind of a super by-the-book kind of job right? I am way way more of the adapt on the fly, thats why I like street emt so much.

canche · Jul 9, 2015

I think ER nurses have to be very assertive. Some of that comes with time and some people just have a very bold personality. You have to be quick on your toes and know a lot. You also have to be able to take crap from everyone. Many people like to hate on ED and write us up for any little thing.

I just switched from the floor and I feel like I am better in an organized more calm environment like the floor. But I am still new so we will see. I am feeling pretty overwhelmed in ED.

Nonyvole, BSN, RN · Jul 9, 2015

I very quickly decided that I was no good at most units. Not because I doesn't have the abilities, but because I didn't have the patience. ER is definitely my niche.

And yes, I have to be assertive and super confident in front of the patients and some coworkers. I'm also like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, being firm and assertive with one patient and the immediately going to the next one and holding their hand.

emtb2rn, BSN, RN, EMT-B · Jul 9, 2015

What is the difference between ICU, CCU and ER, loosely? ICU is kind of a super by-the-book kind of job right? I am way way more of the adapt on the fly, thats why I like street emt so much.

ER is by the book as well. That book is Sheehy's. We don't wing it in the ER. Everything we do is carefully thought out. We just do our thinking very quickly or simply subconsciously (i.e., intuitively).

Mattskiematt · Jul 9, 2015

ER nursing is like, receive the patient, diagnose, sort everything else and endorse! ER nurses are like the Sorting Hat from Harry Potter. *endorses patient to Gryffindor*

pugmom79 · Jul 11, 2015

Floor nursing was too rote, too routine for me. I learned I am not a detail oriented person. I love the er. Stabilize them and ship them upstairs or treat and street. When I give report to floor nurses that's get cranky that I don't have every IV gauge and location memorized. They have access. It works. That's all that matters. But I'll tell you their vitals off the top of my head know how they responding to the fluid boluses etc, or what their trops were. We see so many patients that I do forget little things like where their iv is ( but I know they have one and it works since I just told you I have them 1mg dilaudid IV before they come up to you). I care about the truly emergent stuff. Not when they last pooped. Unless they are here for an obstruction obviously. It's a better fit for me, but not for everyone.