ICU to ED, how long for orientation?

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Specializes in ICU, Agency, Travel, Pediatric Home Care, LTAC, Su.

Most of my background in nursing is adult ICU in smaller hospitals. I am thinking about going to a 1000 bed hospital that has a 45 bed adult ED. Orientation would be around 6 weeks. The position is for 24 hours a week part time Day, Evening. They said orientation could be longer if needed? I have switched specialities much so I have no clue what is reasonable. I have a total of about 6 years of ICU nursing (not all current). Does 6 weeks seem decent? Anyone have helpful books? I haven't accepted the job yet, I have a week to make up my mind. It is one of many options. Thanks in advance:)

They did say evenings is their busiest time. Also that I would go to a non violent crisis class as well as a one day critical care class.

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Specializes in Emergency, Med/Surg, Vascular Access.

6 wks is pretty standard for non-new grad nurses. At least at the 2 ERs I work at.

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Six weeks is fine. Transitioning from ICU to EC is an ideal transition. The biggest challenge anyone has is if they've been working with adults is if the EC receives both pedi and adult patients. A fear of treating pedi patients is a necessary protective one as their protocols are much different in regards to med doses and IV's/blood draws/caths are more challenging, especially in a "rush" situation. I moved from critical care peds to pedi EC myself so I know it's a very workable transition. From there I went to adult EC. Good luck on your new venture!

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Specializes in ER, M/S, transplant, tele.

I agree with the other posters in that 6 weeks should be sufficient especially with your ICU background AND that the pediatrics could be a challenge if there is a mixed population but it's doable! Many of the larger ED's have treatment protocols for the most prevalent complaints such as abdominal pain and chest pain. You definitely already have the knowledge you need, it just needs to be applied in a different way...more patients to care for in a shift and the turnover rate of those patients.

I downloaded the book below as sort of a review. May not be the best but it seems to hit on the major areas, the most commonly seen presentations, what to expect as far as orders etc. It's information you already know just put into the context of an emergency department application. Good luck whatever decision you make. ED nursing is tough but rewarding, frustrating but also fun. Never a dull moment!

Emergency Room Orientation in a Nutshell Jennifer R. Buettner, RN, CEN

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