Its Finally Here!!!!!! Need your help people!!!

[webmansx, ASN, RN]

It's finally here!!!! My long awaited opportunity to break into the ER!!!! during this economy, i never thought It would happen, but here it is!!!

The problem: I am a not so new grad, about 18 months experience in an acute rehab hospital. For anyone who has ever done rehab, you may agree that it's a mix between a slow paced medsurg unit, and a LTC facility. In short, not very much variety to develop solid nursing skill. With that said, I was looking for a change to be able to develop my careers and here it came: I got a call to interview for an ER position in a large hospital in a big city. I'm excited, but scared to death!! How in the world will I adjust from a small hospital rehab unit to a large city level 1 trauma ER!!!! With only 18 months rehab experience as a nurse?!?? :eek:I know i'm not brand new, but I sure feel like it sometimes...

So, Has anyone ever done this? if so what was your experience?? Were you a new grad, were you experienced/where was your previous experience?, I'm I freaking out unnecessarily?

Also, would love interview tips for upcoming interview:

What questions do they usually ask? What questions should I ask them?, what should I know by now if anything? What can I get a head start on to make a better transition? I have about 2 weeks to the interview.

ER nurses, give me the "if I knew then what I know now" issues/thoughts/stories you may have...

Thanks guys! I eagerly await your advice!!!

[montinurse, BSN]

One question I was asked, "give an example of a time when you gave excellent customer service/care" to a patient. Good luck-you'll do great

[Tonjia]

If I were you I would ask them about their orientation program for RN's who have no ER experience. Many hospitals are offering fantastic orientation opportunities, but others are not. Do not let them throw you to the wolves and risk your license. otherwise good luck! we all had to start without experience, you can do this!

[PostOpPrincess, BSN, RN]

You are a new nurse as far as I am concerned. You need a good orientation and put on your roller skates. Develop thick skin, because it is a LEVEL 1 trauma and you will see some things that will make your stomach churn. And I MEAN THICK, man-up, tough, take it like a tough boy/girl skin.

This is no place for wimps.

[BeenAroundTheBlock]

Couple of things...first, remember, you do have some experience on the job, which makes you valuable (people skills, assessment skills, task skills, etc.). Ask about the orientation time and get it in writing. You can do this by writing a letter to the manager after the interview reiterating what was discussed in the interview. Good luck.