How Do You Know If Er Nursing Is For You?

Try it and see. Before I made the change I made a list of the things I enjoyed doing as a nurse and tried to match as many as possible to a nursing job. I came up with ER. The transition wasn't easy but it was worthwhile. Now I am finally in a job that I enjoy.

You need to be able feel that you can handle any situation, not just medical, but also psych/social, equipment failures, etc. You need to be able to constantly set and change priorities on a moment'a notice. You need to be able to deal with constant complaints from both doctors and paitents/families as to why everything takes so long. You need to be able to take pride in the fact that you can do the most difficult job in the hospital (don't tell the nurses in other depts that I said this!) and maintain your self-control and poise. After 12 years in med/surg and ICU, I now look forward to going to work, something the not many people can say. I work with a wonderful group of people and enjoy (almost) every minute of it.

You try it and see. If you're really not sure, ask to be cross-trained. If you like it, keep your eyes open for a chance to transfer.

You really need to be able to multitask. As some of the other replies stated you do it all down there. You never know what is going to walk through the door. You always think the worst case scenarious are going to come via ambulance but not always the case. The other day I had a guy come in with his wife after a van had fallen on him. You need to like to have constant chaos and a continous challenge. I say try it and see.

If you believe that adrenaline isn't just an ACLS drug....it's a FOOD GROUP!

If you are a fast learner, quick thinker with little or no direction, and can stand tremendous physical and emotional stress everyday of your life, not just your children,you can succeed.Know your ACLS drugs as well as your family. Know all ekg rhythm changes and what to do for them all. Learn to anticipate as well as direct others. It is very challenging and not for everyone. It can be very thankless,exhausting job.