ER nurses a different 'type' than others?

[Madigan]

Could you imagine yourself being a floor nurse, or a bedside nurse etc? I ask because the ER seems really interesting to me and about one of the only places I would want to be a nurse, not sure if that means the career isnt for me, of it legitimately attracts different types.

[pugmom79]

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.

This!!!!!

[ERGirl83]

ER is it for me. If I had to work the floor, I'd probably quit. I like the unpredictability and the lack of continuity of care, lol

[Roy Fokker, BSN, RN]

"'acute rehabilitation (CRRN), LTC & psych'."

And I in turn, bow down in respect to anyone who can work those fields! I'd rather deal with pediatric burns before I do LTC, Psych, Alzheimers!

This is a point I've belaboured before - as an ER nurse, can I take care of ICU/Med-Surg/Psych/L&D etc. patients? Absolutely! As an ER nurse, will I take care of those patients the same way an ICU/Med-Surg/Psych/L&D etc. specialty nurse can? Probably not!

ER nursing is all about rapid diagnosis, stabilisation and either admit, transfer or discharge. But as an ER nurse (who must also point out that working a community hospital ER versus working a trauma center ER in the Trauma Bay are two completely different planets!) I should also mention that 95% of what you do as an ER nurse is "routine" (i.e. 'non-emergent'. Especially if you're not working Trauma Bay... and even there, most of it is 'routine' and 'by the books'.)

I guess what I'm trying to say is: if you're basing your perception of what ER nursing is like based on the endless TV shows and dramas - you're in for quite a rude awakening. Celluloid life AIN'T nothing like REAL LIFE ER. Easiest example? Nobody talks about the 'co-dependent frequent fliers' and the barrage of "needs" they bring with them....

But all said and done - I love the field. For the most part, I love the docs and nurses I work with. The patients are a mixed bag - but I take pride in knowing that on the worst day of their lives, I was the helpful professional who 'explained things' and 'calmed nerves' and 'who made me laugh' etc.

ER nursing isn't for every nurse - but for the ones who do identify with it; the rewards are endless! :-)