Most productive way to spend 5wks before starting 1st ER job?

[EDdude]

Hi everyone, I'm a long time lurker and first time poster. I'm also a new grad (May '12) who was recently hired in a Level 1 Trauma ED. My hospital does a new Nurse residency program but the next one doesn't start until the middle of Oct, leaving me with 5 weeks before I start. I'm looking for some suggestions on what I can do to better prepare myself to succeed during this down time. Some ideas I've been tossing around are; purchasing the ENA Emergency Nurse Orientation Course, reading the ACLS book and/or reading an EKG book, purchasing one of the Sheehy's Emergency Care books or just focusing on meds. I'm really looking to make the best use of the time I have before I start so any and all suggestions are welcome and appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[JessiekRN]

Ask your nurse manager if you can borrow a copy of the EDs policy and procedure manual. Not only will it help you get oriented with the unit, it will show your NM you are proactive and excited to start.

[Greymist]

ACLS and PALS are big requirements in any critical care and Emergency Department settings. At least here in Virginia and Maryland

[hiddencatRN, BSN, RN]

ACLS and PALS are big requirements in any critical care and Emergency Department settings. At least here in Virginia and Maryland

But the employer will probably pay for those certifications.

[Susie2310]

You didn't mention any prior experience e.g. EMT, so I am assuming you have just finished nursing school and have no other health care experience. I think that if I was in your position I would use the time to thoroughly review my nursing skills, especially the ones that are most commonly used in the ER (plenty of old posts on this topic) i.e. starting IV's, EKG's. I would also look at old posts for a list of meds that are commonly given in the ER, and review those. I would really know BLS well.

[Greymist]

If you have your ASN or BSN, then in most states, obtaining your paramedic can be as simple as 2 semesters of additional schooling. Just something to add to your resume

[kimima]

If you have your ASN or BSN, then in most states, obtaining your paramedic can be as simple as 2 semesters of additional schooling. Just something to add to your resume

ERdude is a registered nurse who has been hired at a Level 1 Trauma ED; I don't think spending 2 additional semesters of schooling to become a paramedic is necessary to add to his resume. He has 5 weeks before he starts the position, I am guessing he wants something productive to do in the interim to better prepare for the job.

I would review physical assessments, IV starts, and EKG stuff. Best of luck to you!

[emtb2rn, BSN, RN, EMT-B]

Ask your manager if you can borrow Sheehy's. You "probably" will go through the ENA orientation program as part of your orientation. Get ACLS & PALS on their dime, not yours as they're going to pay for it. Read something not nursing related. Seriously, enjoy the down time.

Welcome to the dark side. Have fun.

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

If you want to purchase these books as well as ENPC and TNCC they will be useful and you will be needing these things. But i'm with emt2bRN.....

Enjoy...reward yourself for all those years of hard work in shcool. Vegg out!

on the job! To coin a phrase.....

Welcome to the darkside!

[EDdude]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I love the idea of just relaxing, although I'm sure I'll be spending some time reviewing most of the things listed above and probably more. One of the nice things is during the initial 4 weeks Nurse Residency we do 2 half day skills labs that review IV starts, Foley's, NG's etc. I'm really looking forward to getting started. Thanks again.