FNP in ER

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Specializes in ICU/CCU.

Hey everyone.... I just passed my FNP boards thru the ANCC and now getting ready to start my new career. I was just hired into an ER and I'm getting nervous. I've been an ICU RN for 6 years but this is going to be a big change. Any suggestions?

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based on what I see, you should get your light ready for pelvic exams, your hands ready for sutures, and your prescription pad filled out for zofran.

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I have been doing for seven years and I love it. I worked in the ED as RN thus I was very familiar with the job. Good luck, you will love it.

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Congrats on passing your boards! You must be beyond excited.

I left ICU to work on the reimbursement side for the ED so I could work from home. I am impressed with the NPs' documentation. I rarely have to return a chart for a signature, query a NP regarding a procedure or down code a visit level due to lack of elements in the history or exam. When ICD-10 is implemented next year, detailed documentation will be needed for the diagnosis codes to capture specificity, site and laterality/bi-laterality. I'm convinced the NPs will document better than the residents, fellows and attending EDPs.

Currently, I am contracted with 2 children's hospitals that are teaching facilities. The NP privileges include ordering ancillary studies, nebs, IVFs and IV meds, suture/staple removal, pelvic exams, superficial lac repairs, cerumen removal, ear and nose foreign body removal, simple sprains, fracture and dislocation care (nursemaid elbows are very common) and I&Ds of skin abscesses. There are many visits for rashes, fevers, N/V/D, otitis media, asthma exacerbation and sore throats. The residents snag the patients requiring LPs, G-tube replacements, sexual assault exams, trauma and seizure treatment, fracture reductions and procedures requiring conscious sedation.

Good luck!

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great responses. Is there a place for NP in cardiac critical care or should I be preparing to move out of ICU as well?

Im in cardiac surgery ICU right now and plan on getting my FNP ( or acute care gerontology NP)

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