New to Emergency

Hi everyone,

I have just started a 2nd yr Emergency nursing program. I am in my 6th week of it. I rotate between a few different hospitals the main one being a major trauma centre, which I get to spend the most amount of time.

The hospital I am at currently is the same hospital I did my new grad year which is fortunate. I feel that I have been eased into this transition, but it is still a little overwhelming. I also am in the process of learning how to take bloods and cannulate, but I need to be supervised at least a few times, and I'm not all that confident about it. The program co-ordinator has been understanding and has assured us that we don't need to worry about it yet, but I do feel a bit stupid not being able to do it yet.

I'm just focusing on my assessment skills atm, and thinking through the pathophysiology and what could be going on. I'm learning a lot and also feel that the docs treat me differently then they do on the wards. Different in a good way. But maybe that is because we spend more time together in emergency.

Anyway, Just thought I'd introduce myself as a newbie here and let you know I'll be here asking questions all the time. Any tips?

Michelle

I just finished up my first year as an ED nurse... love it! :redbeathe My advice would be that if there is anything big going on be in the middle of it. Your coworkers need things like ng's, foley's, IV's, have a conscious sedation... do it! The more experienced you get in these things the more time you will have to look at the big picture of what's going on with the patient... especially if you are doing some kind of preceptorship. That way when you do finally get on your own you won't have that "deer in the headlights" feeling. Good luck and I hope you enjoy the ED as much as I do!

Continue to focus on assessments. Add in some critical thinking and some time management and you'll be okay. I see many new grads focusing on appliances and other invasive procedures but it will come in due time. Don't worry so much about simple skills. That will come to you with OJT (On the job training). There will be people around you that can help out and will. No one knows it all and no one is 100% on IV attempts. We prefer someone that is clinically sound and can THINK on their feet. Welcome and good luck.