Help for this new grad in the ED??

[QueensNurseNY]

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[Joe B1]

Hi QueensNurseNC and welcome to ER nursing!

It looks like you're coming into this with the right attitude and putting your head into the science of ER nursing. I'll agree with what many of the other posters have already said. They're giving good advice.

One thing that you'll get a chance to become really good at is reading people quickly and accurately. This is part of what I call the "art" of ER nursing. You'll learn (with patients, visitors, nurses, doctors, etc.) that it's not just what you say, but how you say it to the person you're speaking to on that day and at that moment. Always remember that first impressions are vital and you don't have total control over the impression that you make.

Best of luck to you.

[screamin mimi]

Congratulations!

I think you're getting lots of great advice already. I'll add a few and I'm sure reiterate some.

It might sound silly but get some good shoes! You'll be on your feet a lot. If you don't already, start exercising, it isn't mandatory but you'll see that while we aren't all svelte, ER folks are generally a bit lighter than our peers. It's because we don't get a lot of down time, we're always moving! Exercising will also be a great way to burn off the inevitable stress that you'll have.

Which reminds me: Never come to the ER without food! Bring real food but also healthy quick snacks, like fiberone bars, string cheese, that kinda thing. It's easy, especially when you're new to skip eating. Try not to but when it happens snacks will save you.

Wash your hands! You know this but make it a practice. Do it while you're introducing yourself. It might feel rude or awkward to have your back half towards the patient while introducing yourself but they'll appreciate seeing you do it more than you know.

Watch your sharps! Like handwashing, this is one of the things that is best to do like they teach it in school. We don't always do it but we really should.

Ask questions, of nurses, techs, docs and housekeeping. We're all a team and every job is vital to patient treatment and flow.

When a patient dies it's okay to cry. But it's also okay to laugh, joke, whatever you need to do. You'll hear people say stuff you might not appreciate. They aren't bad, just coping their way.

Look up medications you don't know before administering them. You'll know them soon. And if a medication order looks strange. Don't give it. Ask the Doc who ordered it. They make mistakes too.

ALWAYS check blood pressures before and after narcotics especially in LOLs. Don't learn this the hard way like I did!

Check armbands and lab labels, even if you've been with the patient for hours. You get tired, pick up two labels and mistakes happen. If/when you make a mistake, own up to it and find out how to fix it and how not to do it in the future.

HAVE FUN!

[QueensNurseNY]

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