Skip to content
View in the app

A better way to browse. Learn more.
allnurses

A full-screen app on your home screen with push notifications, badges and more.

To install this app on iOS and iPadOS
  1. Tap the Share icon in Safari
  2. Scroll the menu and tap Add to Home Screen.
  3. Tap Add in the top-right corner.
To install this app on Android
  1. Tap the 3-dot menu (⋮) in the top-right corner of the browser.
  2. Tap Add to Home screen or Install app.
  3. Confirm by tapping Install.
Discussion

New to ER, help updating my reference library

Hi everyone,

I just landed a dream job in the ED as an RN with 4 yrs experience, none of which was in the ER (2 in PCU/cardiac step-down & 2 in case management/wound care). Needless to say I am feeling overwhelmed but motivated to learn what I need to in order to hold my weight and do well. I have a couple of questions for ER nurses out there:

1. I am trying to update my reference library, but no one wants to waste money on redundant or out-of-date info. Can you give me your 2 cents on these titles:

  • Emergency & Critical Care Pocket Guide, May 2013 (to keep on me)
  • Sheehy's Manual of Emergency Care, Feb 2012
  • Critical Care Emergency Medicine, Oct 2011 (written for PA/NPs, but reviews from ER nurses say it's good for anticipating what will be ordered by the Dr)
  • AHA Handbook for Emergency Cardiovascular Care (includes ACLS/PALS)

2. I went to school when actual books were the reference of choice. I know much is now digital, but I am concerned about getting to the info QUICKLY. I have an iPhone that is easy for medication lookup, but cumbersome for reading reference material/diagrams. Is there a device you would recommend that I could keep on my person? My ER is a great place to have things stolen...

3. If a device is preferred over reference books, would you purchase the books in epub format or is there a better subscription service such as medscape nurse you would use instead?

Thank you all for your time, as we have little free time as it is :)

Sarah

  • Quote

    • Featured Replies

    • Emergency & Critical Care Pocket Guide, May 2013 (to keep on me)

    I own this... two editions and an Android app... I found it helpful in the beginning but didn't look at it as much as I'd anticipated.

    • Sheehy's Manual of Emergency Care, Feb 2012

    I own this, too... as a hard copy and as a Kindle file... It's really an excellent reference... and if I could have only one, this would be it.

    I would also consider Emergency Nursing Procedures by Jean Proehl... it has step-by-step instructions for anything I've ever needed to do... and provides a nice backstop when somebody tries to tell you how they think you should be doing things.

  • Quote

    Be sure to repeatedly watch "the princess bride", "pulp fiction" & "the blues brothers" so you can comfortably throw lines back & forth. Extra props if you can do entire scenes from "the holy grail".

  • Quote

    I forgot "Blazing Saddles" & "Young Frankenstein". Also critical knowledge. Sheehy's kinda important too.

    "Werewolf?"

    "There wolf. There castle"

  • Quote

    • Join the conversation

    You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

    Guest
    Add a Comment
    Go to topic listing

    Currently Reading 0

    • No registered users viewing this page.

    Account

    Navigation

    Search

    Search

    Configure browser push notifications
    Chrome (Android)
    1. Tap the lock icon next to the address bar.
    2. Tap Permissions → Notifications.
    3. Adjust your preference.
    Chrome (Desktop)
    1. Click the padlock icon in the address bar.
    2. Select Site settings.
    3. Find Notifications and adjust your preference.