First job - nurse extern in ER

Specialties Emergency

Published

Specializes in Peds hem/onc, renal, hospice.

Hi,

I am just ending my first year in an ADN nursing program. I got hired for my first job as nurse extern in an ER. I am really excited, but REALLY nervous.

My orientation is in 2 weeks, and then I start work.

Any helpful hints for me? Any good books I should get to help me or any other info that can help?

Thanks alot!

Nichole

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Specializes in ER.
Hi,

I am just ending my first year in an ADN nursing program. I got hired for my first job as nurse extern in an ER. I am really excited, but REALLY nervous.

My orientation is in 2 weeks, and then I start work.

Any helpful hints for me? Any good books I should get to help me or any other info that can help?

Thanks alot!

Nichole

good luck...ask questions...and any time there is more than 3 employees in the room at once get involved, its probably something exciting...

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Specializes in ICU.
and any time there is more than 3 employees in the room at once get involved, its probably something exciting...

:lol2:

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Hi, I did my extern in the ER, too. I graduated last year and am working in the same ER and I love it! My advice is jump in and make it known that your willing to learn. I don't know what you will be allowed to do as an extern at your hospital, I was allowed to do everything except ABG's. You will be nervous, but the experience is worth it. Don't be intimidated by your preceptors. Sometimes you will feel like you are in the way, but its usually that everyone is very focused on what they are doing, not that they are ignoring you. Avoid telling pt's that you are a student when learning IVs, it tends to make them nervous. Also, be willing to do the bedpans and cleaning the stretchers, etc., the nurses will appreciate your willingness to help. Good luck, would love to hear how you like it a few weeks in!

Hi,

Hi, I did my extern in the ER, too. I graduated last year and am working in the same ER and I love it! My advice is jump in and make it known that your willing to learn. I don't know what you will be allowed to do as an extern at your hospital, I was allowed to do everything except ABG's. You will be nervous, but the experience is worth it. Don't be intimidated by your preceptors. Sometimes you will feel like you are in the way, but its usually that everyone is very focused on what they are doing, not that they are ignoring you. Avoid telling pt's that you are a student when learning IVs, it tends to make them nervous. Also, be willing to do the bedpans and cleaning the stretchers, etc., the nurses will appreciate your willingness to help. Good luck, would love to hear how you like it a few weeks in!

I am just ending my first year in an ADN nursing program. I got hired for my first job as nurse extern in an ER. I am really excited, but REALLY nervous.

My orientation is in 2 weeks, and then I start work.

Any helpful hints for me? Any good books I should get to help me or any other info that can help?

Thanks alot!

Nichole

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Hi,

I am just ending my first year in an ADN nursing program. I got hired for my first job as nurse extern in an ER. I am really excited, but REALLY nervous.

My orientation is in 2 weeks, and then I start work.

Any helpful hints for me? Any good books I should get to help me or any other info that can help?

Thanks alot!

Nichole

Hey. I am interveiwing in front of a panel of nurse managers on Friday, 5-13-05. Do you have any advice or questions they might ask? Please help, super nervous! :p

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Specializes in Peds hem/onc, renal, hospice.
Hey. I am interveiwing in front of a panel of nurse managers on Friday, 5-13-05. Do you have any advice or questions they might ask? Please help, super nervous! :p

Hi,

I interviewed with 2 different hospitals and got offered both jobs. Both interviews consisted of personality questions, situational questions and customer service questions.

I just tried to be myself and answer honestly. If you are not sure about something they ask, just ask them for more info.

They wanted to know examples of how I handled certain situations in the past, and how do I get along with grouchy, unfriendly people. Stuff like that.

Good luck!!!! My first day of orientation is Monday 5/16.

Nichole

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Hey Nichole,

Good luck w/ your extern program...I did the same thing when I graduated from nursing school and jumped into a level 1 trauma center. The one thing I recommend is that you work in a program that has a good (to include a decent amount of time) training program. Not an externship that only lasts for 6 weeks, as an example. If you can, get a list of the most commonly used drugs in your ED and learn them well. The pharmacist should be able to print you out one. Also, learn where everything is located and how equipment works...sounds like a silly statement but here's what I mean....you may be asked to push an amp of epi....where is that amp? Where in the crash cart? What part of the box should you open? It's the "little" things that can throw you off and sometimes it just takes time. To me, the most important thing is to show your patients you care...comfort measures go a long way especially when the ED is backed up. As far as books go, having your own drug guide is helpful. When you need them you usually can't find them. Epocrates is a good handheld program but it doesn't have nursing considerations. I'm a bookbuyer and I'm trying to think of what else might be good. They have those little RN pocket guides...they are nice. The funny thing is that it seems like you can buy tons of books but rarely get to look at them while working. Ok, I am done babbling....if you have any other questions feel free to ask!

Teri :p

Hi,

I am just ending my first year in an ADN nursing program. I got hired for my first job as nurse extern in an ER. I am really excited, but REALLY nervous.

My orientation is in 2 weeks, and then I start work.

Any helpful hints for me? Any good books I should get to help me or any other info that can help?

Thanks alot!

Nichole

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I mean it only seems like this experience as an extern can do good things for my career, it will be nice to know more than my fellow students :p ...I am still a bit nervous about the interveiw though..I guess that comes with the territory! Thanks for your advice guys, any more ideas of questions I may get asked please feel free to post your opinions!

:rolleyes:

Hey Nichole,

Good luck w/ your extern program...I did the same thing when I graduated from nursing school and jumped into a level 1 trauma center. The one thing I recommend is that you work in a program that has a good (to include a decent amount of time) training program. Not an externship that only lasts for 6 weeks, as an example. If you can, get a list of the most commonly used drugs in your ED and learn them well. The pharmacist should be able to print you out one. Also, learn where everything is located and how equipment works...sounds like a silly statement but here's what I mean....you may be asked to push an amp of epi....where is that amp? Where in the crash cart? What part of the box should you open? It's the "little" things that can throw you off and sometimes it just takes time. To me, the most important thing is to show your patients you care...comfort measures go a long way especially when the ED is backed up. As far as books go, having your own drug guide is helpful. When you need them you usually can't find them. Epocrates is a good handheld program but it doesn't have nursing considerations. I'm a bookbuyer and I'm trying to think of what else might be good. They have those little RN pocket guides...they are nice. The funny thing is that it seems like you can buy tons of books but rarely get to look at them while working. Ok, I am done babbling....if you have any other questions feel free to ask!

Teri :p

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Hi,

I am just ending my first year in an ADN nursing program. I got hired for my first job as nurse extern in an ER. I am really excited, but REALLY nervous.

My orientation is in 2 weeks, and then I start work.

Any helpful hints for me? Any good books I should get to help me or any other info that can help?

Thanks alot!

Nichole

:uhoh21: 2 week orientation and than you're on your own :uhoh21: I graduated in december and am in my 11th week of a 16 week orientation and I still wish I'd have more time!!! The ER is challanging for even the most exp nurses, yet us! 2 weeks for a new grad would frighten me!!! Best of luck to you! Remember, don't do anything that you are unsure about, including meds, especially meds!

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What you lack in experience, try to make up for in preparedness. Carry the following things on you/in your pocket: tape, trama shears, alcohol wipes, more than one pen, pad of paper, kelly clamp, always have a spare pair of gloves in your size. Sheehy's Emergency Nursing is the reference for ER nursing, but expensive, so you may want to check the library. Ask for the hospitals protocols for specific presenting situations AND LEARN THEM (ex. CHF, ashma, MI etc). If you read only one thing, let it be ACLS guidlines.

Good luck. Be willing to admit what you don't know, even if you think it makes you look bad....it will earn you the most respect in the long run.

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