do you like your ER?

[prmitchell]

Hey! I currently work in a level two trauma center as a tech. I live in a small town..however, we're the only ER within an 80 mile radius. I am getting ready to graduate in May. I have to opportunity to move wherever I chose in May...now that this opportunity is presenting itself, I can't decide! My biggest fear is moving somewhere and hating my job..and then I'm stuck! So basically, I'm asking you to describe your ER...

Here's a description of where I'm at now.

We have 5 trauma bays, and 24 regular bays to see whatever presents itself..

there is an "urgent care" area that consists of 13 beds.

the nurse/pt ratio is 1:3

there are typically 3-4 physicians on at a time, excluding the 1 MD and 1-2 PA's or NP's in the urgent care area

I love where I work, I don't love where I live

Thanks for any help!! :)

[DC Collins, ASN]

With the kind of money you will be making, you can visit other places on your days off to get out of your town.

Go with the job you love! The only thing worse than a job you don't love is one you actively dislike!

I work at a level 3 - its sister about 30 minutes away is the level 2. I love them both. The level 2 is much the same as yours, so not worth repeating details. But I have to re-emphasize, if you love your job/employer, *stay with it*!

DC ED RN

[star77, MSN, RN]

Stay where you love.

When you work somewhere you don't love your job, it can wear you down emotionally and physically in ways you might not even be aware of.

[badphish]

stroke/stemi center, 31 beds, 12 fast track beds, 1 RN to 3-4 patients, 2-3 docs, 2-3 PA, nurse prac

2-3 hospitalist 24 hr RT, 12 hours Pharmacist in ER

[Dazglue, ADN, BSN, MSN, RN]

Stay where you are! If you love your job, keep it!! Lol. Trust me! I love my job in the ER. Been at my hospital for almost 5 years. I started out as a transporter and did clincials elsewhere but nothing is like the hospital I'm at now! Great supervisors, great co-workers (about 90% of them) great uppermanagement, and a President that knows almost all of his 2,500 employees by name!!!!

[PAERRN20]

Ok so you staffing ratio is fabulous! I'd love to come to your ED. Mine has 1 MD for 20 beds!!!

[Scooty Puff Jr]

You don't like where you live? That's what vacations are for, a crappy home town makes vacations better!!

[DC Collins, ASN]

Ok so you staffing ratio is fabulous! I'd love to come to your ED. Mine has 1 MD for 20 beds!!!

Lordie! That sucks! Both my level 3 and its sister level 2 have no more than 1 doc / 8 beds.

DC ED NOC RN

Abbreviations R Us :)

[emtb2rn, BSN, RN, EMT-B]

Agree that you can always go on vacation. You know the stress mantra "I'm in my happy place"? Well, if where you work is close to that, you're OK.

Disclaimer: my happy place is not where I work but I do love my ER (most of the time).

[Lunah, MSN, RN]

Like emtb2rn, I love my ER most of the time. I love my coworkers most of the time, too. Like any "family," there is some bickering and whatnot, but for the most part, it's all good. I think finding a place where you love to work is one of those "priceless" things.

[prmitchell]

Thank you for all of the advice! I love what I do in the ER and I'm comfortable with the set-up..however, management is horrible! The department is very micromanaged..the "higher ups" are all young and eager to get ahead...running over anyone who gets in their way. Staying in the town I'm now is just simply not an option, I'm young and single and there's nothing hold me back...I want to see the world, just don't know where to start! Thank you again for all the help!

[canoehead, BSN, RN]

If you are in a good working spot stay right there. You don't know if you'll have backstabbing coworkers and management that backs up crazy patients where you'll be going. I would absolutely stay there.