Need Advice.... going to ER

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I have been a LPN for 15 years finished RN school in May 06. I have always worked in LTC at night mostly and handled the trauma, drama, etc that goes along with it. I am going to be starting in the ER in a week and I am terrified and excited at the same time! I have had ACLS took a EKG class in school and have more nsg books than should be allowed by law I have always wanted to try the ER and now I have my chance and I am so scared!! I have been reviewing my EKG books, IV meds , peds etc but I am afraid I will not know something. I am a little OCD as I think most nurses are but I am so hard on myself I always think I should know things yesterday. I have taken a EMT Basic class and love that excitement also. My husband thinks I will love it and be great but is this normal to be so scared? Any advice at all will be so appreciated!!

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Of course you should be afraid, that is a normal response to changing specialities. Know that you have prepared well. There should be someone to precept until you feel you are capable of performing on your own.

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Specializes in floor to ICU.

I have 17 yrs LVN experience, mainly Med Surg and am in a transitional program for RN. I have been contemplating ER when I graduate. Your post could have been written by me! What kind of orientation are they offering?

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Specializes in ICU, ER.

Your feelings are normal. Take your time, ask questions, think!

but I am afraid I will not know something
Not a day goes by that there isn't something I don't know-that is the beauty of ER-always something to learn, always a new challenge.

You'll do great!!

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Thanks I feel some better! I just wanna do my best! Thanks for the replies

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I'd want you for my nurse any day. You care, you are reviewing, you sound passionate about your work.

I think you'll be a great nurse in whatever department you work, including ER. Let us know how it goes. :balloons::balloons::nurse::pumpiron::pumpiron::Melody::balloons:

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i am in the same exact boat. i was an LPN for 7 years, working in internal medicine and then on a LTAC unit. believe it or not,,, youll do FINE. i just finished my first week in the ER. i did very well, so everyone says. i have a great preceptor, and she lets me do it all. shes like "wow yore doing so well, youve been a nurse longer than me" and stuff like that. but when it comes to code STEMI's i am sooooo lost!!! so much going on and so many people in the room,,, but she says ill do great with them. its fear of the unknown.

i am getting a preceptor for only 4 weeks, since i was an LPN for so long. the new RN grads (with no nursing experience) are getting 6 weeks. i LOVE the ER!!!! in fact, i enjoy it so much, its like im not even working. u know how it is,,,, i was just burned out on LTC... and i knew med/surg is not what i wanted to do, so im happy with my decision. good luck on your new job youll do fine!!! ps i learned all of the arrhythmias from an online website (free) that lets u read moving EKG monitors and guess the rhythm... its like a game.

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I knew I did not want Med surg:nono: I actually had a semester of ekg class at RN school so I know reviewing that helps. I am kinda worried about peds..not crazy about the peds. I feel so much better now though thanks for all the encouragemnet!

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I when feel your emotions are normal as well, Change can be difficult at first. With your mind set to do well, I feel sure you will. I'll share some advice given to me many years ago by a vetran RN. Think always of your basic ABC's and use the Golden Rule when that does not apply. Good Luck

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Darling, you going to be fine, Ive worked ER on and off for about 4 years, it is scary but there will always be someone there for you ER is usually team based. Just hang in there and take your time.

cat

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Specializes in adult critical care.

I felt the same like you before i went to ER but later on got used to it. You will also do the same. These days I am working as ICU/ER nurse.It is great to work iin ER as you have to be the toe all the time and should be having the a wide range of knowledge.

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Specializes in adult critical care.

I felt the same like you when I first went to ER. I think it is normal as you always feel little excited as well get scared as you might fail but keep your head cool and carry on, you will do good.These days I am working as ICU/ER nurse. Here in our setting we need to have wide range of knowledgr while working in ER and I enjoy working in ER and being always on toe.Good Luck in your venture

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