How did you switch to ED nursing?

[sameasalways]

I am moving and considering a change in jobs. Currently I graduated 2 years ago and have been working a very busy med/surg floor where we are the primary receiver of post-ops from every type of surgery. We also get the med patients (ED, direct admits). I have done my job and learned a lot but I never felt that I wanted to be a "floor nurse". But now that I am so comfortable here, it makes for even more fear of trying something new when I move. I have considered ED nursing in the past but I am not sure if I am the right fit. I have noticed there are a lot of ED positions open in the region I am considering moving and was considering applying. If you switched to ED nursing I am interested in why and what it was like for you. I think it would be a totally different mind-set. Also since we rarely have telemetry patients on our floor, I feel sooo rusty on all things cardiac. Which is a concern considering how many people probably go to the ED with chest pain symptoms. I appreciate any feedback on what ED nursing is like for you, how you chose it, and your advice for someone considering a change. I have heard a lot about the personality tending to be different. I am not too concerned unless you are...Basically I am really quiet until you get to know me. And then watch out :) Wicked sense of humor. Thanks.

[IZGO22]

Well sameasalways....

The ER is a WHOLE different world. A completely different way of looking at things - as many have said before me, you are doing focused assessmenets and there to get them stablized & moved. Either discharged home, admitted or trasnferred. The pace is often quick and the buck stops with you. It doesn't matter if there are sick calls or not. That being said it IS AMAZING, incredibly rewarding and I cannot imagine myself doing anything else. You will be part psych nurse and part detective. It is good for those with ADD and need to stay busy. You MUST be able to maintain focus with various distractions and be able to be pulled in several directions at once. Time management is a big one. To brush up on cardiac, I would suggest a website called wwww.skillstat.com Good luck!!