ER nurses...I need your help!!!

MassED, BSN, RN · May 17, 2011

if you're new, or even if you weren't, you will get a packet/hefty orientation into ED nursing. Once you experience a few shifts w/ your preceptor, write down your questions when they come up and ask your preceptor. You'll be fine. You'll have plenty of opportunity to ask about any and everything you can think of. Look into getting Mosby's ER nursing book. Great book for the fundamentals of ER nursing.

the more you post on here, knowing that you're in the ER, someone could put pieces together one day through personal information. Remove identifiers!

kc87t, BSN, RN, EMT-P · May 17, 2011

I just recently started in the ER, as well, so I understand what you're feeling! Certain things I would get familiar with if you're not already... overdoses & psych patients! There are lots of little things that go along with psych patients...especially from the legal side of things. There's also some formalities that go with ETOH/SI/HI patients going AMA. Also, what I found really helpful, there are protocols for almost every complaint... CP, SOB, abdominal pain, ETOH, SI/HI, etc... whenever a CP or SOB comes up, they automatically get an EKG within 10 minutes of arrival, and go ahead and get IV access. All overdoses are going to get two 18G or larger IVs, and just go ahead and stick a foley in while you're at it because they're always going to run a UA and UDS. After awhile you'll learn the docs and figure out who you can do with what. Some docs will let you pre-empt everything, others not so much. Everything is a pattern, just got to pick it up! Good luck, you won't regret going to the ER. I LOVE it, greatest job in the world!

KayRN910 · May 17, 2011

After a year in the ER, I can tell you I was just as scared when I first started. Mainly, just brush up on your basic nursing skills for common complaints - Chest pain (need IV access, no Nitro unless you have an IV (do you know whhyyy?), O2 on any chest pain), Abd pain (56 yr old female with epigastric pain? get an EKG nd probably need to google for 12 lead EKG placement if you dont know!

You will be fine. You will get PLENTY of chances to ask questions and learn - just dont ask them if it's not a good time! (Asking what a drug does when you are about to give it to a patient - probably not the best time... lol)

Also, it took me a while to understand the priority when a pt comes in - I know it sounds simple, but with ALL the things we do on a new EMS patient, whats most important? :)

murphyle, BSN, RN · May 18, 2011

Welcome! I started in "the Pit" straight out of school, been there for a year and change, and loving every second. You may want to check the Emergency Nursing board for new-to-the-ED tips and tricks; there are numerous threads and lots of great posts there that will be a major help to you as you settle in.

Best of luck to you!! :nurse: