Mentorship in ED, Advise Please

[FazzDazzle]

I'm a nursing student in my last semester and found out today that I will be beginning a mentorship in the ED next week (five weeks of mentorship before graduation). My teachers feel this will be a good fit because I have a strong knowledge base, yet I am a bit nervous.

I am posting in this area because I would like some advice from experienced ED nurses as to what to expect and possibly skills areas that I may want to review or work on before going into this mentorship. General advice would also be greatly appreciated as I don't want to be a failure, embarrass myself or, worse, hurt somebody due to lack of experience/clinical judgment.

Thank You Nurses!!!

[Mimilo]

I can understand your apprehension but it's a great compliment that your teachers think you can do well in the emergency department! congrats! You will see it all so it's hard to tell you what to focus on. Know your lethal rhythms, shockable rhythms. It's handy to know your antidotes, narcan, romazicon... Check a bp before you push the narcs. Always get a blood sugar on the passed out drunk. We know you don't know everything. It's okay! The most important thing is that you don't worry too much about how you look and ask questions! If you are worried about a patient, tell us. If you don't know a dosage, look it up. If it sounds like a strange order, question it. If you are worried about looking stupid, don't.

Have fun & lots of luck!

[Munch]

I don't work in the ED but it's pretty much the same being the new nurse on all units. Just like Mimilo said..SPEAK UP. If you don't something don't be afraid of looking inept. Everyone at one point was new and they know what it is like to be the new person on the block. Plus I am sure everyone knows you are new and shouldn't expect you to know everything on your first day on the job. Don't be shy and don't be afraid to ask question if you don't know something or are unsure if something. Its ALWAYS better to be safe than sorry,especially when it comes to the care of a patient in an emergency situation. Also if you are in a hospital where your supervisor and co-workers are nasty and aren't willing to help you out then I would consider looking for another hospital to train/work at or changing to another unit

[Lunah, MSN, RN]

There are a lot of great links that contain applicable advice in this sticky from the top of the forum:

https://allnurses.com/emergency-nursing/new-grad-er-188212.html

[delilas]

I did my preceptorship (similar thing to your mentorship, only it was 12 weeks for us) in our largest ED. I was nervous going in, but you have to remember, its like any clinical - you aren't alone. You have your mentor/preceptor, and they're there to help you, answer questions, and guide you.

Take it easy your first couple days, get the lay of the land and the idea of how her day flows. Help her with assessments, vitals, and grabbing supplies while you see how she does things. Take on new responsibilities each time, and take each day for every minute its worth - I honestly became excellent at IVs because of my preceptorship in the ED. Starting 15 a day gets you proficient quickly! Rely on your knowledge of pathophys and trust your instincts - speak up to your mentor when you think something is off about a patient.

I really hope you enjoy and take advantage of it. Best of luck to you!