ER after Nursing School

[Dbb82]

I currently work as a unit secretary on a MS floor, and Im not really a big fan of MS. I mean I held my own through nursing school (I graduate in a month and a half), but I have a feeling that I will easily burnout because it's not what I enjoy doing. The seasoned vets tell me to go to MS to learn all my basic skills, but, like I said MS is not what I want to do in life.

To be honest I always wanted to be an ER nurse, yes Im a male and I love the action and the fast paced scenario. However, Im still not comfortable with my nursing skills to go straight into a specialty, which is why homing up my skills in MS would be ideal, but like I already mentioned I know MS would burn me out.

A pt had a code across from me the other day, and watching nurses and doctors flock to the pt got my adrenaline going, and at that point I said to myself "thats what I want to do in life."

So, any advice? should i go straight to the ER, or do MS first?

-thanks

[bigsyis]

Med Surg. You must have Primo assessment and practical skills before you can seriously consider ER. The pace doesn't allow for much basic learning, but you sure can build on a good foundation. You can lay down the foundation on Med/Surg. Working there for a time doesn't mean that you are making a life-long commitment to it, simply a further investment in your education.

[bubbly]

If you can get a new grad internship in the ER, I say GO FOR IT!!! If ER is truly what you want to do, then I don't think the steep learning curve will stop you from doing well. But if you can't get into the ER right away, med/surg is a good way to build your skills while you gain more experience. :)

[RNperdiem, RN]

Consider step-down units. The patients often spend time there after ICU but before the floor. They are more stable than ICU patients, but you will get to learn about cardiac monitoring, IV drips etc on 3-4 patients. The skills you learn there can take you anywhere.

[bill4745, RN]

I strongly suggest at least 6 months M/S or Tele/Stepdown. We loose a lot of new grads who would have made great ER nurses if they had "gotten their feet wet" before coming to the ER.

[Conqueror+, BSN, RN]

After i graduate 1/08 I will be doing a 16 week ER internship that includes classroom and hands on. I can't wait. I have to go now and clean off this drool so best of possibilities to ya

[BrnEyedGirl, BSN, MSN, RN, APRN]

I agree with Bill,.....it's a shame to see new grads leave frustrated and feeling like a failure when they go directly to ER.

You need that 6mo - 1yr to get good assessment skills,..fine tune all of your nursing skills and just get your bearings at being a nurse!! I also think that spending time on the floor helps you better understand how the hospital functions,..lab, radiology, pharmacy etc, who to call for a burned out light bulb, who fixes the stopped up toilet, how do I reach a doc at 2am (and when do I really need to call), how do I know who is on call,..,.you will learn so much then when you go to ER things will make more sense, and you will be more efficient speed is a must in the ER and if your still unsure about your skill or who to call for what you will end up frustrated!

I honestly believe you need a good nursing foundation before you move to the ER.

Good luck to you,..btw I personally would pick stepdown/tele over general med surge;)

[nurse1970]

I have been a nurse for 5 years and I started with MS and in my opinion everyone should start with MS. You need to be quick on your toes and know what your doing because ER is very fast paced and there is no time to ask questions because everyone is going in different directions. However, if it is what you want to do, then do it because there are going to be things in ER you will never see on the MS floor. MS gives you your basic skills. If you get in there and you feel overwhelmed, try MS for a while and then go back to ER when you have some experience under your belt.