How long before the pep in your step?

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Good Evening fellow Nurses!

So I just started this specialty about 1 month ago and I'm loving it so far! I was previously doing LTC and decided I wanted to do something completely different. Right now I'm working evening shifts (which is the busiest by far) & although I've been learning a lot & building my confidence little by little, I still feel clueless in certain critical situations as this is all new to me. I know it'll take time, but I'm just curious to know... How long did it take for you to transition from standing around looking like a deer in headlights & trying not to be in anybody's way to diving in with full confidence during critical situations?

And I thank ya!❤️

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

Everyone is a little different. I had a few years as a paramedic and ER tech before I became an ER nurse, so it might have been a slightly faster transition than others experience. But there was still a transition, I can tell you! :) How long is your orientation? Are you receiving feedback from your precepter? Just approach each patient the same way - start with your ABCs and work from there. Starting at a busy time has positives and negatives - sometimes it's nice to be able to sit down with a preceptor and go over things rather than running 100 mph the entire shift. Good luck!!

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Thank you Pixie.RN!! That's pretty awesome that you started off as a paramedic & tech☺️. I'm not exactly sure how long my orientation is, hey say usually between 4-8 weeks. However, I just checked the schedule for June and it looks like I'm still on orientation, which I can understand (not having any critical care experience). So far my feedback from my preceptors has been really positive. I think I'm just expecting too much too soon from myself! 😯

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Specializes in Emergency & Trauma/Adult ICU.
... How long did it take for you to transition from standing around looking like a deer in headlights & trying not to be in anybody's way to diving in with full confidence during critical situations?

In a high acuity ED? Realistically - 1-2 years.

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Specializes in Critical Care.

Took me about a year. I went from ICU to ER so had some experience in critical situations but nothing really compares to trauma, haha!

Congrats on joining the ER world. It's wonderful.

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Altra- That's exactly what my coworkers told me, 1-2 years.

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Thank you dpcRN, I'm really excited!! I had my first trauma patient, with my preceptor by my side of course. I was trying to help out as much as possible, but I still feel like I could've done more. I guess I just have to roll with the punches & let time take its course!😏

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Specializes in Cardiology.

I had an 8 week orientation, I work on a very busy cardiac/tele floor and my preceptor would throw me into rooms when a pt would RRT or code so that I would be exposed to critical situations (happens often when every pt has something wrong with their heart). I obviously only observed at that time but once I was on my own I always tried to be in the room to help whenever something serious happened, I love the adrenaline rush. And like a previous post mentioned, you just have to go over the ABC's or ACB's (circulation now comes before breathing) in your head and someone will always be around to help you!

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Thank you michlynn! I try to observe different things, even when critical situations are taking place in a different room. My preceptors encourage it! I guess I just feel helpless at times, because I really don't know what/where I can help. But as they say, Rome wasn't built in a day! I just have to be patient.

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