How do you know if you've got what it takes to be an ER nurse?

[Beth_audrey]

Hi I'm really considering being an ER nurse but how do you know you've got what it takes? I mean everything I've seen and heard about ER nurses interests me but what if I do decide to go into emergency nursing and it's not all that I thought it would be? So if any of you have any suggestions to help me make my decision that'd be great.

[KristyEDrn]

I started working in the ED straight out of nursing school (7 yrs ago) and went through the whole 6 mo. orientation thing with going to classes on some days and working in the dept on other days. I absolutely love it. I can't imagine working anywhere else. I definitely think there are people for every aspect of nursing and thank God for it. I couldn't work on the floor...

I think another thing that makes a good ED nurse is one that can keep her/his head about them when all around is chaotic. You have to be able to stay calm in stressful times. If you freak out during a code or whatever, the patient is not going to feel comfortable with your care, the doctor is not going to feel confident in your abilities and knowledge, and your co-workers are not going to want to work with you.

Of course, having said that, you also have to know what you are doing...just remember A B C! After that, it's all good...lol okay, for the most part!

Best of luck in your decision making!