How do I know the ER is for me?

N1colina · Jan 9, 2013

Hi everyone. I just had an interview in the ED at the hospital I currently work at. The job is mine if I decide to pursue it (it was a bid). Now I'm not quite sure if I want it! Fact is I don't know what I want to do my career right now. I'm at a standstill I feel like. I've been a nurse for 6 1/2 years and I have tried LTC/Rehab Family practice, and now my current position is in the hospital on a med/surg, ortho/neuro floor. It's all been great experience and I don't regret a thing, but I wish I could just find my niche! It's not that I've been completely miserable at all of these places (just the LTC) it's just I'm always seeking change or something better I suppose. I don't know what exactly I'm asking for here.... Maybe just some support or to hear from others that came across the same problem a few years into nursing. Thanks![/quote']
Sorry- I kind of rambled on here and got off track. My point was I don't know if the ER is for me because the only reason I bid on it was because I want to learn more. I am always looking for a challenge, and always like to keep busy while at work. That's why I chose the 5p-5a shift in the ED! I know it will be great experience but I'm just worried I won't like the whole structure of it! I tend to be very anal and organized and the ED just seems so unorganized because it has to be! I don't know if I can deal with that...

Sassy5d · Jan 9, 2013

If you like new and unusual.. That's the ER. It's def more of a thinking on your feet vs brain sheets and organized tasks. You can't write down to do lists. You just kinda roll with it. Many ER visits are not true emergencies but you still do as much as you can as quickly as you can because things change in an instant.. Start getting behind and then a full arrest comes rolling in.

I would request a shadow experience before you accept the position. 3 days at least at different times so you can get a feel for the flow. Explain you'd like to see for yourself before you commit, save everyone time.

N1colina · Jan 9, 2013

If you like new and unusual.. That's the ER. It's def more of a thinking on your feet vs brain sheets and organized tasks. You can't write down to do lists. You just kinda roll with it. Many ER visits are not true emergencies but you still do as much as you can as quickly as you can because things change in an instant.. Start getting behind and then a full arrest comes rolling in.
I would request a shadow experience before you accept the position. 3 days at least at different times so you can get a feel for the flow. Explain you'd like to see for yourself before you commit, save everyone time.

Thanks for the advice. I do have a job shadow set up for tomorrow. It's only 4 hours. The NM suggested 2 hours, but I asked for more. Then, once I start, I have 30 days to trial the position and if I'm not happy I can take back my old position, which is nice. I'm just trying to get any info I can on it now, so that I don't waste anyone's time, like you said. Thanks again.

Sassy5d · Jan 9, 2013

Every day is different. You never know what's going to happen. Thankfully even the hardest pt is usually only in your care for a few hours

Medic2RN, BSN, RN, EMT-P · Jan 9, 2013

From one Type A, anal and organized person to another: try it!

The ED is chaotic, but you will see, there is organization. It's a different mode of thinking than the floor. As an organized type of person, you will find chaos and then straighten it out. More chaos, then organize it. I think that is a quality good ER nurses have.

You will definitely feel like a fish out of water, but look beyond that while feeling the position out.

I can say that you will never be bored, one shift is different than the next, and roll with the punches.

Let us know how you like it. Best wishes to you!

N1colina · Jan 9, 2013

From one Type A, anal and organized person to another: try it!
The ED is chaotic, but you will see, there is organization. It's a different mode of thinking than the floor. As an organized type of person, you will find chaos and then straighten it out. More chaos, then organize it. I think that is a quality good ER nurses have.
You will definitely feel like a fish out of water, but look beyond that while feeling the position out.
I can say that you will never be bored, one shift is different than the next, and roll with the punches.
Let us know how you like it. Best wishes to you!

Thanks so much! I really appreciate the encouragement! I will let you know how it goes for sure!

OnlybyHisgraceRN, ASN, RN · Jan 10, 2013

I could have written this post! However, I know my heart belongs to OB. I used to do ICU and I'm starting the ED this week. I know this is not what I want but I figure I'd try it for the experience and to put my foot in the door.

Lets encourage eachother. I start orientation on the floor next week. I'll let you know how it goes.

Racer15, BSN, RN · Jan 10, 2013

I'm a brand spankin new nurse, started my first job this week in the ED. I knew it was for me because during my clinical rotations there, everything just clicked for me. I like the variety, I like that some days are completely insane, and others are a little more laid-back. I like that I'm always having to think on my feet, and know something about everything. I did my practicum in the ED as well, and that solidified it for me, I knew I made the right choice.

N1colina · Jan 10, 2013

I could have written this post! However, I know my heart belongs to OB. I used to do ICU and I'm starting the ED this week. I know this is not what I want but I figure I'd try it for the experience and to put my foot in the door.
Lets encourage eachother. I start orientation on the floor next week. I'll let you know how it goes.

Really? Cool! Good luck! I was hoping someone would be in the same boat as me! I do my job shadowing day tomorrow and will make the decision then whether I want to take the job or not. The other thing is- not sure if I mentioned it or not- is the position is nights, so I'd get the shift differential also, which is an added bonus :) I will keep you posted as well :)

N1colina · Jan 10, 2013

I'm a brand spankin new nurse started my first job this week in the ED. I knew it was for me because during my clinical rotations there, everything just clicked for me. I like the variety, I like that some days are completely insane, and others are a little more laid-back. I like that I'm always having to think on my feet, and know something about everything. I did my practicum in the ED as well, and that solidified it for me, I knew I made the right choice.[/quote']
That's awesome! I always like hearing about others finding their "happy place" or niche. Good for you!

N1colina · Jan 10, 2013

Every day is different. You never know what's going to happen. Thankfully even the hardest pt is usually only in your care for a few hours

Haha that's actually one of the things I was looking forward to was getting rid of those crazies after a few hours. The ones I have to take care of for 12 hours straight, 3 days in a row sometimes, for weeks on end! Now, I know you still see a lot of them in the ER, even frequent fliers, but it's different than having the same physically/verbally abusive patient all shift. At least you get a break from him AND at least we have security in our ED at all times!