inquiring soon to be new grad

ernurseafterall · May 13, 2005

I am wondering about all of the ED's out there, so I can make a decision about where to work. In the area where I live there are 2 trauma centers (one level one-county hospital), and many many other smaller ER's. I am not sure what to expect with these in general. So I have a few basic questions that all of you more experienced nurses may be able to answer
What type of ED do you work in?
What is the population you serve (urban, rural, affluent etc.)?
What are common diagnoses you see?
What makes it a great place to work?
What makes it a horrible place to work?
What type of ED would you recommend for a new grad?
If you started in a smaller basic emergency services ER did you find it difficult to move to trauma later?
Add any other comments you like and thanks in advance for your input.

I work in an urban setting. About 50% have no insurance or Medicaid HMO plan. Its a Level II with 12 acute beds, 7 Fast Track, and a back up 10 bed observ. unit for ER holds.(PCU type beds/equip). (it was rebuilt about a year or so ago and is set up with all the latest/greatest equipmt and a great layout)

We get a good deal of Psych, Chest Pain, abdom pain, resp , peds, -all the usual stuff. The psych cases are usually pretty intense-maybe due to the population we serve. We get plenty of drug od. We get plenty of interesting stuff, never stops, never bored, always at least one or two surprises for the night. I find that most patients and families seem very appreciative and don't take anything for granted. its a hard working hispanic population there. I love it and its just the right size...my personality was not suited to go work in the large trauma center among zillions of staff. I like the family atmosphere where I work.

Good luck!!

cookie78 · May 15, 2005

Hey just bumping my post so maybe someone will reply! Especially some of the 50 or so onlookers. thanks!