I have been a nurse for a little over 4 years. My speciality is tele/cardiac stepdown. I have been with an agency for the last few months, and 2 months ago, got an assignment to task in the ED of my local hospital. I loved it so much, and I guess they loved me, cause they requested me to work, and trained me on their computer system. I applied for a job, and got it, and I start next week. I am very excited to be a permanent part of their staff, I like everyone I have worked with so far, and I have wanted to be an ER nurse since before nursing school. I have gotten into the rhythm of the ED and have even participated in some traumas and codes (which are very different from the floor codes I have been involved in). They are looking forward to having me there, and I do have to go through a preceptorship, since I am not an officially trained ER nurse. My question is, what should I try to concentrate on learning? I know this is kind of a general question, but I have been taking patient assignments in the ER, but I feel like I learn somethong new every day, and in the ED we give drugs I am not familiar with, so how did you guys learn the ropes?
Get your patient rooms assignment, get a complete history, do baseline observations and head to toe assessment, if female ALWAYS do a pregnancy test (unless the female is like 80!), U/A on everyone that walks in the door, anybody with chest tightness/pain/breathing difficulties do an ECG and get O2 on them. If anyone has hit their head, seems confused, etc always start neurological observations. Get bloods done as per Dr's orders.
ALWAYS ASK FOR HELP if unsure of anything. Nobody will mind, even if they are busy.
And expect to be in any situation at anytime, no matter how bizarre. Get expensive, comfortable shoes - you'll need them!
ADD: Don't be afraid to talk to the Drs re anything, or make suggestions, some will get a big snotty, but most will appreciate the input.
carolmaccas66, BSN, RN
2,212 Posts
Get your patient rooms assignment, get a complete history, do baseline observations and head to toe assessment, if female ALWAYS do a pregnancy test (unless the female is like 80!), U/A on everyone that walks in the door, anybody with chest tightness/pain/breathing difficulties do an ECG and get O2 on them. If anyone has hit their head, seems confused, etc always start neurological observations. Get bloods done as per Dr's orders.
ALWAYS ASK FOR HELP if unsure of anything. Nobody will mind, even if they are busy.
And expect to be in any situation at anytime, no matter how bizarre. Get expensive, comfortable shoes - you'll need them!
ADD: Don't be afraid to talk to the Drs re anything, or make suggestions, some will get a big snotty, but most will appreciate the input.