Level 1 pedi ER

[nursejennie76]

Well I have been an ER nurse since I graduated nursing school , and lots of EMS experience before that. I have an interview in a level 1 pediatric ER this week and am wondering if anyone else has ever worked in one?? I have always just worked in your run of the mill ER with all types of patients. I am sure it will alot different?? Any comments from any other pedi ER nurses??

[PICNICRN, BSN, RN]

Well, if you worked in a level I trauma center with adults, then you will not really have alot of the same... only kids(minus the chest pain) MVA, GSW, drowns, sepsis, ect. You will have your basic rescus rooms and all of the bells and whistles of your level I trauma center- neurosurgeon and all.

Make sure if the excitement is what you want, that the ER actually receives the traumas to the ER and not the PICU. I know it sounds crazy, but at Children's Memorial(Chicago) we received the traumas from the field to the PICU- they bypassed the ER completely........... I say this because I see you are also from the midwest. Good luck with your new position!!

[PICNICRN, BSN, RN]

Oh.... I forgot to say that other patients you will see will be your run of the mill fever, vomiting, dehydration, broken bones, resp distress, croup ect. You know the ones that use the ER for their primary care provider??? I'm sure you're familiar with that! Hope this helps!