Just got an ED RN position, Advice needed PLS!

[Gem13]

Hey everyone!

I just landed an ER position. I previous worked on a medicine unit for 18months (straight from nursing school). Can I get advice on how to be successful and adapt on this unit, what I should do to prepare myself! I really need this to work out , as I hate medicine

Thank you!

[Jedrnurse, BSN, RN]

Maybe get a jump on ACLS if you don't already have it?

And thank you, thank you, thank you, for asking for "advice" instead of "advise".

[Gem13]

thank you ! The manager said 6-8 weeks orientation, according to others this is too short??

[Gem13]

Many on this subforum recommend Sheehy's as a very useful manual to have starting out. Add: I see it has been recommended above.

The best preparation is mental, though. Having a good attitude and keeping your cool are more important than studying any material; they are necessary for success and are in no way optional. The ED is a long learning curve. Those who succeed are pleasant, teachable and eager to learn.

thank you!! I am currently trying to prepare mentally. I am eager to learn !

[Gem13]

Here is a great allnurses article written by Nurse Beth describing the life of an ED nurse.

Are You Cut Out to be an Emergency Department (ED) Nurse?

thank you!! ITs appreciated

[Gem13]

First of all, congratulations !!!

I have worked in trauma centre for 10 years then being deployed to work in ED for half year for special training. In this half year of time, I have some feelings on ED

1. fast thinking and rely on your critical thinking in Triage stage, is a challenging position

2. lots of traps, due to all the clients came into ED has no name tag difficult to identify the client and easy to miss the treatment if the client has sent home "accidentally " hahahhaa

3. difficult to follow up the client 's condition after client has admited to ward, somehow, job satisfaction is coming from those client's recovery process :)

4. in observation room, the job is quite boring... haha

5. When you have adapted the environment, you will find another boring thing,... repeated ECG, Blood work, wait for dr assessment, treatment / send to ward... a kind of repetitive work all day

6. As someone stated above, a limited time to treat the client, so follow the protocol strictly seems the only way you can survive in ED :) ... or after awhile, you can make a difference and make another protocol for your fellows to follow >.

Your advice means a lot! I will take everything you said when I start working :) !

[Gem13]

Maybe get a jump on ACLS if you don't already have it?

And thank you, thank you, thank you, for asking for "advice" instead of "advise".

Lmaaooo at "advise"!

Yess I will start working on that. I am currently PALS and NRP certified, will that benefit me ?!