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Discussion

ER Practicum - What do I need to know?

Hi,

I will be starting my practicum in the ER shortly and I'm wondering what medications I should make sure that I know so I can have a small base to start out and not look like a deer in the headlights when asked questions.

I also appreciate any information you can provide :)

Thank you in advance!

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    • Featured Replies

    Know your ACLS drugs for sure.

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    Also, know psych drugs, dosages and route. Most can't be given IV, cause widening of QRS leading to cardiac arrest

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    There's this pain medication that starts with a d....

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    • Author

    I had not thought about the psych drugs, I will add it to my list of ones to go over.

    Thank you everyone for your help, I really appreciate it.

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    There's this pain medication that starts with a d....

    "...and I'm allergic to everything else but that one doesn't bother me, so long as you push it fast..." ;)

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    "...and I'm allergic to everything else but that one doesn't bother me, so long as you push it fast..." ;)

    with Benadryl......

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    • Guides

    ER has it's own set of acronyms: those psych drugs can be called a "B52", or Vitamin H, or Vitamin A.

    Benadryl, Ativan, Haldol, Droperidol (that one is losing favor), Versed, Valium, Ketamine, Propofol (you can only draw it up, NOT give it), Narcan, Dilaudid (almost never see Demerol anymore), morphine, Percocet, Norco, Zofran, Toradol....

    call us your local candyman store :cautious:

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    • Guides

    Don't hang back, if you want to do something, say so! Worst evals one student got was because she was too willing to just sit and observe; ER is a get your hands dirty place.

    Ask before giving that cup of water though, some stuff keeps you NPO, and not just the abd pains. Don't get a chest painer out of bed to walk to the BR for a BM. Don't take the IV out until the discharge papers are in their hands and they are ready to walk out. Don't trust the monitors, look at the pt. If you need to pee, take a minute and do it, no Martyr Millys. Unless they are coding, then you have to wait!

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    Brush up on CPR. They'll be more than happy to toss you in the compressions line. If it's a person who was brought in by EMS, chances are you won't bring them back. That's to be expected. Make sure you put your name badge in your pocket, don't be afraid to ask for a stool, and whatever you do, don't put your legs up on the bed for leverage because you will get body fluids, vomit or fecal matter on you if you do.

    ETA: don't let it surprise you if their ribs are already broken or if you break their ribs. I try to think to myself - if you're not breaking ribs, you're not doing it right. Understand I don't mean that literally, but it reminds me that I need to put all my strength into it. I'm a little person with not that much strength, and it seems crazy, but two minutes will leave you breathless. So use your strength and don't be surprised if bones are broken. Broken bones are better than dead.

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