I got an ER job! Now, reading/other suggestions please?

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Specializes in ER.

Hi all! I am a new grad nurse as of three weeks ago, and I got the call yesterday offering me a position with a level II trauma center ED that I interviewed with. I accepted and I start in a couple weeks. :yeah: I am beyond excited- ER was exactly what I wanted- but now I'm also scared! :eek: I realize there's new ER nurse sticky with reading suggestions and links, but I wanted to ask again just in case there were new books or other resources y'all would suggest I look into to make me somewhat less scared and more competent when I start out. Thanks so much!

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Specializes in Nursing Supervisor.

Sorry, No suggestions from me, but I hope to be where you are someday! Happy for you and congrats!

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Specializes in Step Down.

I love reading that another new grad got a job! Gives me some hope....Good luck!

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

Sheehy's Emergency Nursing: Principles and Practice. Fabulous book. Congrats!! How long is your orientation?

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Where in the country did you get this job?

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Specializes in ER.
Sheehy's Emergency Nursing: Principles and Practice. Fabulous book. Congrats!! How long is your orientation?

Thank you! I get a minimum of three months and can extend it up to six months if I feel like I need it. So excited!

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Specializes in ER.
Where in the country did you get this job?

In north Georgia.

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

That is a good orientation. :) Mine was about ... 14 weeks, I think? I also went to a classroom ER nursing fellowship that kept me from being precepted full-time in my ER during those 14 weeks, but it was still a good length for me. Good luck!!

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I was actually going to post this tonight so thank you. I accepted a job in a level II ER as well. I start in Mid February. I have been working on Tele for 6 months but ER is a dream job. My orientation is 12-16 weeks long. I cant wait!!

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Congrats to you both!! I've been volunteering in the ER & there's never a dull moment :D Will you get any reading "assignments" in your orientation?

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I just came off a 6 month orientation for as a new grad in the ER. I got an EKG class - that covered much more than I got in school. I think to be successful you need to know your resources - use the pharmacy, get comfortable accessing hospital policies, specifically how certain meds are given. I have found that I give the same 10-15 ALL the time, and I try to look up any new meds and make a little index card on them so I get more comfortable with them.

ER is a hard place to start, its fast paced and anything can come through the door ( and into your room!) at any time. Your openess to learn, and be up-front with things you dont know will have a huge impact on your experience. Take every opportunity to learn. Co-workers appreciate a new grad that says " I dont know how to do that" or " can you explain that to me".

Best of Luck to you!!

Try kathywhite.com - they sell a great little reference book that has almost everything you need! stat med drip charts, procedure notes, rhythm id, its great!

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Specializes in Tele, Cardiac Post Op, ER.

thanks for the tips. I will be transferring from a tele unit to the ER level 1 trauma. I need all the advice I can get!

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