Float tech interested in ED

[sophie<3]

I just started a job as a tech in the float pool at a large hospital...so far I have worked 4 shifts and although I like it to some degree, I feel like I want MORE. The floors I work on are Med/Surg, Tele, ICU and have noticed that not a lot of patients need anything and mostly sleep. Therefore, my night shifts seem long and a lot of vitals, passing water, repositiong, and helping to the bathroom. I feel like I am missing the excitement..the rush that I was hoping to get. Float pool was NOT my first option by any means, but it was offered and seemed like a good learning expereince. Maybe I haven't given my job enough of a chance for me to really enjoy it, or maybe this is an aspect of nursing that just isn't for me but the more I consider a tech job in the ED while I am in nursing school, the more I am wondering if it is a possibility. 2 of my friends work in the ED and love it...but I know it takes a certain type of person to work in such a fast paced environment. It would be a pay cut for me to work in the ED but I was wondering..should I apply and just see what happens? I plan on working my current job until at least May and then maybe find something else starting in the summer and I graduate in December...good idea? I sometimes get worried about working in the ED..the maybe I won't know what to do in a certain situation...or that I will fall through the cracks and get walked over by nurses, doctors, other techs due to my lack of expereince. Just looking for the input of others..Thanks in advance :)

[kool-aide, RN]

I'm in pretty much the same position! I am a float CNA in a large hospital system and I float between 3 hospitals and work in areas like med/surg, ortho/neuro, cardiac, rehab, peds, geriatrics, and ICU and I'm also used as a pt sitter. In fact, I also work nights. I know what you mean by not seeing a lot of action but I do have a good deal of experience and I'm learning every day. I recently requested to be cross trained for the ERs and was turned down. My advice to you is to stick with this job and gain more experience working on the nursing floors and units and keep making more money. I think if you did want to go to ER once you graduate, having a year of float tech experience would sound great on your resume'.

[sophie<3]

Yea I think you are right...I think ED sounds awesome BUT I think I should give the float a chance...work a few months and then see where my mind is then. Another hospital near me has offered me a PRN peds job starting in May...sounds tempting because I like Peds. But again, like you said I think float will look good because I will have experience on a variety of floors. Thanks :)