Just started ER tech job, help me not look like an idiot!

[kmahnke93]

I just picked up a job with a level 1 trauma center as an ER tech. My background is simply EMT school. I was hired by a board of individuals who work in the ER (and not some HR individual), so they knew I was inexperienced and they had some work to do.

The interview was pretty casual, quick, and laid back (they even made a couple jabs at my only experience being at tropical smoothie), so I'm positive they expect me to need training.

With this being said, I don't want to walk into my first day and having to be completely dependent upon the other techs and nurses for every small task like a baby in the womb.

The job description says a couple things like "splinting and wound care," so I know to look over orthoglass splints and such, but are there any specifics I should go over like EKG placement, patient hygiene such as bathing, since I have no clue how to do that.

I want to place as little of a burden on the techs and nurses as I can, while still learning as much as possible.

Any input would be much appreciated.

[jennarae86]

Definitely pay attention to ekg placement, your place of employment should offer a blood draw class and a splinting class and sometimes if you're doing a long leg splint you'll need someone else's help to hold.. Don't be afraid to ask other techs for help especially when you're new! Your new job should give you orientation/shadowing for at least 3-4 weeks as well.