ER Personalities

Specialties Emergency

Published

What kind of personality do you think it takes to work in the ER? What kinds of personalities do you think are NOT a good fit?

Specializes in Emergency, Corrections, Adv Practice.

I work with a few nurses with minimal experience who have that "know it all" attitude. I think that is the MOST DANGEROUS personality type in the ED. Working in the ED you will see so many different things and you have to be capable of saying "i need help, ive never seen that before."

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER.
I would think that assertive type-A personalities would do very well in the ED.

the longer I'm in an ER, the more I really appreciate those laid back, calm-natured, easy to smile types of people. Those people inspire me to chill.... roll with the punches, definitely. I'm so sick of the toothache that calls EMS that I have become quite jaded at times. I have zero compassion or respect for these types of individuals who use up our healthcare system and then complain when they have to wait or don't get their narcs they believe is their right to have... crikey! Obamacare in action!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I have a more laid back attitude, but will get assertive when needed. During traumas or codes, I kick it up a notch, but take my time to think things through. When I have to scribe, I focus totally on what is being said and my eyes are on the clock. I tend to tune other things out. What I find that works for me is remaining calm, but moving at a faster pace than usual. In my mind, I may be taking my time inserting an IV, but I'm moving at a faster pace on the outside and focusing on getting the job done. It's important that I remain calm to keep the pt calm if still awake.

I also have no problem delegating and screaming for help if necessary. I learn something new every time I go to work and will never know it all.

The types I don't like working with are the overly excited, looking for a confortation (be it a pt or another co-worker), the know it all's, and the very serious ones who NEVER crack a smile. Everything is soooo serious, even the littlest thing they will make a mountain out of.

I find I get along better with laid back types who tend to kick it up a notch during an emergency.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ED, ICU, MS/MT, PCU, CM, House Sup, Frontline mgr.
i have zero compassion or respect for these types of individuals who use up our healthcare system and then complain when they have to wait or don't get their narcs they believe is their right to have... crikey! obamacare in action!

this has gone on longer then you have probably been alive and will continue for many decades to come. you must be very new to life, politics, and nursing to think that this has anything to with our current president of the united states. honestly, some of the people that roll into your er have been doing this since the regan administration! btw, all real health care reform measures were blocked by the republican minority in the house and the senate so do not worry... you will still be able to pay out the nose for your health care and for the drug seekers too just like the rest of us. congrats!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER.
this has gone on longer then you have probably been alive and will continue for many decades to come. you must be very new to life, politics, and nursing to think that this has anything to with our current president of the united states. honestly, some of the people that roll into your er have been doing this since the regan administration! btw, all real health care reform measures were blocked by the republican minority in the house and the senate so do not worry... you will still be able to pay out the nose for your health care and for the drug seekers too just like the rest of us. congrats!

it's all right.... no worries. it'll all be right as rain eventually... during election time.

love how democrats can be so high and mighty. i'm not a republican either, for the record.

were you not aware of scott brown (republican ma senator) and his plight for healthcare reform? he was shot down. he voted against obama's healthcare reform because it will raise taxes, increase government spending and lower the quality of care, especially for elders on medicare.

think of massachusetts.... requirement to have state healthcare to file income taxes, if not, you'll be fined. many of those people cannot afford masshealth, even at a reduced rate, yet they're being fined. how is this helping those that need care? more importantly, take a look at massachusetts, how is this state doing, financially? hmmm??

and now what's right again with obama's plan?? as a nation, we're being choked. obama has led us into the worst economic disaster since the 1940's.... anyone applauding him now? i think not.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ED, ICU, MS/MT, PCU, CM, House Sup, Frontline mgr.

and now what's right again with obama's plan?? as a nation, we're being choked. obama has led us into the worst economic disaster since the 1940's.... anyone applauding him now? i think not.

according to who? fox news??? bush led us into the worse recession since the great depression and president obama inherited all of this his problems. i know, republicans like to re-write history. guess what? most of us are actually paying attention so they will not be very successful.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

There is a politics forum if you'd like to visit it ...

US Politics - Family, Politics, and Entertainment

Otherwise, let's please stick to the topic of the thread. Thanks.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency Medicine.

Personality traits?

ER = A.D.D

ICU = O.C.D.

If you really have to do things meticulously stay away... we'll eat you up.

If you can ignore the small stuff you'll fit right in.

Critical thinking with really good prioritization skills. The rest is interpersonal.

Just my 0.02

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

ER = A.D.D

ICU = O.C.D.

LOL! Perfect. :D

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

As I posted on the previous page (ER Personalities - Page 2- Nursing for Nurses), please keep the political discussions in the political forum. This thread pertains to ER personalities. Yes, I know we have strong personalities, but please do not ignore moderator requests. ;) Thanks. Topic reopened, as long as we can stay on track ....

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER.
As I posted on the previous page (ER Personalities - Page 2- Nursing for Nurses), please keep the political discussions in the political forum. This thread pertains to ER personalities. Yes, I know we have strong personalities, but please do not ignore moderator requests. ;) Thanks. Topic reopened, as long as we can stay on track ....

didn't see any reminder... had I, I would have diverted the natural evolution of the discussion. Didn't need a warning to be reminded. :o

Thanks, though.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER.

find i fit right in with an honest/blunt personality, a dark sense of humor, a compassionate and patient heart, a type A personality who isn't aggressive or hostile, (just naturally firing on all cylinders at all times even with an hour at the gym a day), and i find, like other er nurses, i love love love staying busy and can adapt quickly to change.

the unit can go from slow and boring to tragic or overly busy and choatic in about 8 seconds flat and you have to be able to roll with that!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment