Help greatly needed

[missERRN]

Hi,

I have been at my first nursing job for not very long and I already feel unsafe. I am an ER nurse. I came to realize that I am not into the fast paced environment as I had thought I was. I am not into simply following Dr. Orders with minimal time to assess my patients and properly care for them w/o causing harm. I am very caring and compassionate. Mother/baby and newborns were my first interest, but most hospitals around my area don't hire inexperienced nurses. Home health is another area I'm considering since it's 1 on 1 care and a bit more holisic, but I am concerned I am not experienced enough. Advice is needed, considering my current situation, what area would it be best to apply to.

[RNsRWe, ASN, RN]

Since the areas of nursing you are interested in want experienced nurses....seems to me you need to gain some experience! Apply to a med-surg unit (can you transfer in your current facility?)..you will gain experience that can be applied anywhere.

Honestly, can't think of a 'slow paced' area of nursing that you are qualified for and would like to be in. Get the experience you need, then you'll have more options.

[tarotale]

How long have you been doing it? I thought of quitting everyday until I hit the 3rd months now I'm heck lot comfortable. I used to be so stressed about multiple orders rushing in while new pts and ems all roll in but once I found out that the most important thing in ed is knowing who can wait and who can't wait, I just work down the list of priorities in ease and speed. Hope you make the right choice!!

[applewhitern, BSN, RN]

Maybe try to transfer to an ICU area. You would probably have only 1-3 patients, and you would be in a more "controlled" environment. I have worked ER, and know what you mean. I am more of a "head to toe" type nurse, and find it difficult to concentrate on that one thing that brought them to the ER. Also, too many "clinic" patients there. Don't be put off by naysayers that claim you can't get into an ICU without experience; there are plenty of hospitals that hire new grads to ICU, mine included. Some even have a new-grad program.

[firstinfamily, RN]

It sounds like you want to be in an environment where you have more interaction with the pts. ER is about stabilizing the patients and getting them transferred to the next level of care. Various units have their own type of fast-pace environment. Med-surg would give you a well rounded experience and prepare you for other areas of nursing. You should be able to make a transfer into med-surg without too much difficulty. Be aware your pt load will be much heavier. Home Health really requires experience. You are totally on your own, making decisions for good follow-up for these patients. A lot of them are without good support, and rely on the nurse to bring all the resources. You most likely will not feel comfortable in a new environment for awhile, whether you stay in the ER or transfer. Good Luck!!!

[iPink, BSN, RN]

Why don't you get your 1-2 years on your current unit and then apply for transfer to the Mother/Baby unit. That's what I did!

Sent via iPink's phone using allnurses

[scaredsilly, BSN, RN]

My opinion is to steer clear of home health unless you are guaranteed a long and thorough orientation. I tried private duty and lasted 3 shifts. My orientation was one shift, the patient was high acuity with tons of co-morbidities and I was terrified I was going to kill him. The agency promised "you are never really alone" but I was so alone! I called my supposed preceptor because I couldn't keep his o2 sats up and was yelled at for waking her up and told to figure it out. A new nurse has too much to learn and we really need the knowledge, guidance and wisdom of the nurses we work with.

I suggest trying to transfer to another unit in your facility as others have said. Another thing to look into may be LTC or a clinic if you can't transfer, but avoid home health until you are more experienced.