ER Nursing - Evaluation / Opinions

GitanoRN, BSN, MSN, RN · Mar 15, 2012

first of all good luck in your studies. on your 1rst. question, i began in the medical field as a na, and worked myself up to rn, 2nd. in my case, ed chose me, let me explain back in those days i had the complex syndrome of "super hero nurse" took all certifications and the clinical ed mgr. offered me the position. 3rd. in order to make it as a ed nurse one must know the art of prioritization, and be able to multitask, plus having thick skin helps. 4th. i didn't stay in ed after 3yrs. i decided to move on to icu & ccu, although from time to time i moonlight at ed. 5th. after experiencing most of the specialty units, i settled in gi, and manage the hepatology clinic and from here who knows. interesting, is it me, or i just answered 5 questions? instead of your original 3. anyway wishing you the best always...aloha~

Misheila · Mar 20, 2012

1. How did you transition into an RN Nurse? Why did you choose ER Nursing?2. In you opinion based on your own experiences, what does it take to make it as an ER Nurse?3. Do you want to continue to work in the ER? Why or why not? If not what would you like to do next?

I went straight to the RN program

I chose ER Nursing because I wanted to try something new and different after 6 years of Telemetry Nursing

Good critical thinking skills, Good Assessment skills, Great knowledge of everything that "could come to the ER", (as per Gitano, ability to prioritze and multitask), assertiveness, Being in great physical shape also helps a lot.

I moved on to the PACU late last year after working ER Full time for 3 years. I still enjoy ER Nursing and still do casually but I have a physical condition that makes the constant walking up and down and standing a bit challenging.....also I need my break LOL!!

brainkandy87 · Mar 21, 2012

1. how did you transition into an rn nurse? why did you choose er nursing?

my first job as a new grad was in a step down/tele unit. i got great at cardiac situations and reading strips and identifying rhythms. i've wanted to work in the er since i was a kid. i interviewed right out of school but didn't get the job. i'm kind of happy i didn't, because immersing myself in cardiac care prepared me far more than i was for er.

2. in you opinion based on your own experiences, what does it take to make it as an er nurse?

thick skin, common sense, quick thinking, testicles, and a cool head.

3. do you want to continue to work in the er? why or why not? if not what would you like to do next?

i can't see myself doing anything else at this point. i love my job... even the crappy days.

BostonTerrierLover, BSN, RN · Mar 21, 2012

1. Straight out of high School into the ADN, I knew I wanted to travel!!!!! Could not get graduated and first year out of the way fast enough! Got pulled to ER one night, and have been an ER Department or Trauma Employee ever since.

2. I think the starting point can be anywhere, but generally,. . Like fast pace, Psych Patients(80%) and Psych Families(higher%), quick thinking, performance under pressure, ability to hide smiles, and choke back laughter, self starter, Patience, great documentation skills (You are the first line of defence against lawsuits, and are in the lawsuit dept), Communication skills, Troubleshooting skills, cleverness, and genuine desire to help people. AND A LOVE FOR DRAMA ON MANY LEVELs!!!!!

I WORK AT A LEVEL I DRAMA CENTER!!!!

3. I don't get to see the ER as much now in Foriegn Missions, but when I am home, I PER DIEM or CONTRACT all over the Southeast!!!!! I have to say my favorite ER is in the DFW area or NEW ORLEANs!!!!!!!!

. . .as far as what to do next, . . When I retired one day, . . .I always wanted to be a door greeter at Wal*Mart, but I heard they got rid of the door greeters, so now I am completely out of a future plan!:rotfl: