Published May 22, 2014
KnottyNurse17
18 Posts
Hi Everyone, Anyone care to share their experience as a ER nurse? I'm thinking about going into the ER once I graduate so I just want to get a heads up on what to expect. I know working in the ER can come with alot of different things. I've been told to expect the unexpected in the ER.
NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN
10 Articles; 18,928 Posts
Moved to AN's Emergency Nursing forum for response.
DayDreamin ER CRNP
640 Posts
Do a search on this subject on here and also take some time to read through a lot of the posts. I think you will get a pretty idea of how "we" see the ED.
What to expect? The unexpected, just like you already know. The ED is ever changing and every ED is somewhat different. Level 1 trauma centers often operate much differently than some "basic" ERs.
You can expect some long hours, grumpy patients, sick patients, patients that think they are dying but have an ingrown toenail, a vented patient in one room and a cold / flu symptoms patient in the next. You can expect to never take another lunch break again and you can often forget about going to the bathroom some shifts.
Every shift is different.
I love it and wouldn't change a thing.
meredith
Thanks for your feedback! :)