Good idea?

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Need some opinions please! I've been out of the hospital setting three years working in both office and LTC settings. I have the opportunity to take a position in the ER. Have I been away from the hospital too long? The thought of ER excites and worries me! I'm so afraid I've lost necessary skills. I've wanted to work ER since nursing school, but never had the chance until now. I worked in a small ICU when I was in the hospital for a couple years. Any advice appreciated!

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

Just do it. I was away from the hospital for a number of years and, while the learning curve was steep, I managed to return. I bet you can too. (The skills part is like riding a bike honestly.)

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Specializes in Emergency.

You've done LTC. You have the time management and delegation skills (just don't over delegate). You should be fine.

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Go for it.

Ask for the a proper orientation. For your own benefit and chances of success, don't let them make you believe that you only need X number of shifts since you already have nursing experience.

Aim for humble confidence. Humble because there will be a lot of new stuff, but confidence in your ability to learn it. Carry yourself that way.

Good luck~

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Just do it. I was away from the hospital for a number of years and, while the learning curve was steep, I managed to return. I bet you can too. (The skills part is like riding a bike honestly.)

MMJ - very sound advice!

To the OP: one life, kick ass. Good luck!

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Specializes in ED, Cardiac-step down, tele, med surg.

I think you should go for it. You'll be surprised what you can handle and how the ER environment will enhance your nursing skills. I learned more in my short time in ER (less than 2 years) than in my previous 4 years as a regular inpatient nurse. With that good stuff said, be prepared to work your orifice off. You'll be running around sometimes all shift. The load in ER is physically demanding, more so than in other settings (in my experience working on the floors). However LTC/SNF nursing is also tough. I started in that setting and was floored by the nurse/resident ratio. I think you can do it. You only live once, might as well go for it, right?

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That's for all of your replies and encouragement!

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