Need advice...

You will gain an invaluable experience in the ER. We typically don't like nursing students who stand around with their hands in their pockets! There is always something to go do like starting iv's, putting in foley, NG tubes, straight cathing a patient. Helping with chest compressions or bagging in a code. It looks great for you if you actually get involved instead of being on the sidelines. Ask a lot of questions and don't ever feel like you are in the way! Good luck!

Thank you very much for the response!

don't ever feel like you are in the way!

When things are going off, it's better for them to hold still and let me navigate around them because I know where I'm going... when they're trying to get out of my way, they're more prone breaking a sterile field, bumping into someone else, or ending up precisely where I was trying to go.

ED staff are not shy about directing you to move if need be. Otherwise, generally speaking, pick a spot and stay put... too many moving parts, otherwise.

Nothing like contradictory advise! lol

For me it's fairly simple. I expect my student to be engaging with the patients and staff. Observant of what is going on, learning and growing. If they are doing these things than they will pass with flying colors. If not, they are going to be sent packing. If your texting in the break room, or even spending your shift studying, basically if I have to come find you to give you tasks to do, than you aren't going to get a good grade from me. If on the other hand, your in rooms, even if your just talking with the pt, I'm going to cut you a ton of slack. If you are improving in your skills, that's great. If you actually are taking a pt and dealing with him from the time they hit the room to walk out the door with only advise and monitoring, I'm singing your praises to the school, admin, and anyone who can hear it!

Thank you very much for the replies, very insightful!

I would agree about getting involved, but please remember ER is about the patients first, and is a learning experience second.

Your mentor might not be able to talk you through situations as they happen, but will return to you later in the day. Its not always appropriate to ask questions during a difficult or sensitive assessment for example, and for the sake of privacy and dignity, observers are not always welcome. Don't take it personally, but there will be times when an extra person in the room is just not appropriate.

As long as you are sensitive to the needs of folk in distressing situations, and able to step back, you will do well.

Thank you!