First job as an RN in the ER

[JMD14]

Hey guys, I just got on as an RN intern in the ER and start this week. I'm pretty nervous and sort of overwhelmed with everything I need to learn in order to be a competent RN. On the other hand, I'm very excited and couldn't be happier having been hired as an ER nurse. I start with my preceptor in four days and wanted to know if anyone has started in the ER for your first job as an RN and if so, what it was like and what advice might you have? Hope to hear from you! Thanks..

[LJ85, ADN, BSN, CNA, LPN]

Sorry there was a typo on the initial post. I have had two interviews already, the final one is with the nurses in the ED who precept new nurses. I have already asked the questions about general things like nurse patient ratio, etc. I need questions specifically geared toward the preceptors. One thing I planned in asking was what books they recommended to study and have as references for working in the ED. What drugs to study, patho etc.

Sorry there was a typo on the initial post. I have had two interviews already, the final one is with the nurses in the ED who precept new nurses. I have already asked the questions about general things like nurse patient ratio, etc. I need questions specifically geared toward the preceptors. One thing I planned in asking was what books they recommended to study and have as references for working in the ED. What drugs to study, patho etc.

The kinds of questions I would ask would be along the lines of

"Does orientation follow a structured format?"

"Does it include dedicated classroom time?"

"Does it include shifts in/with other departments (icu, rt)?"

"Does it provide regular, structured feedback to identify areas needing improvement?"

"Have preceptors undergone specific training?"

"How are preceptors selected and assigned?"

"Is there flexibility to terminate or extend orientation as appropriate?"

[LJ85, ADN, BSN, CNA, LPN]

The kinds of questions I would ask would be along the lines of

"Does orientation follow a structured format?"

"Does it include dedicated classroom time?"

"Does it include shifts in/with other departments (icu, rt)?"

"Does it provide regular, structured feedback to identify areas needing improvement?"

"Have preceptors undergone specific training?"

"How are preceptors selected and assigned?"

"Is there flexibility to terminate or extend orientation as appropriate?"

Thanks so much for your input I will definitely include these!