If there was one piece of advice...

[ImaERtraumaRN]

I am a new grad. and will begin working in our level 2 Trauma center. I have worked in the hospital environment already, have good clinical skills and good grades but I know that the "real world" is so different - especially in the ED.

Soooooooo...

If you could give a new grad about to work in the ED one piece of advice what would it be???

[MADDOG70, BSN]

I started as a new grad in the busiest E.R. for ambulances in Illinois. I was always told if I could handle this E.R. I could handle anything. I made it!! A few things are important.

If a pt. says they are going to die and they are already critical.....believe them.

Be prepared. PRIORITIZE your pt.s

I agree never wear white.

Watch and do everything you can. ASK questions!!! Admit when you don't know something.

The more you help your other co-workers when they're in a bad situation the better off you'll be.....jump in. Don't get a reputation of being a slacker!!

FOLLOW YOUR GUT REACTION ALWAYS!!! :chuckle

For Dixielee especially, thanks for taking the time to write up this advice. I start working in an ED in October. Very much appreciated your suggestions, and everyone else's.

[Peg804]

Right you are, follow your gut instinct. If they say they are going to die, they will. If they say they have to put their feet on the floor, watch out, death is just around the courner.