I had a fall related injury resulting in an open pilon fracture of my ankle about ten years ago. It was a pretty gruesome injury, but I have exceeded expectations in regards to my recovery. I have pain after many hours of standing if not afforded minimal breaks. By breaks, I mean literally minutes per hour for greatly reduced pain, but have the ability to go 12 hours straight if necessary (Had an instructor who even made us chart standing, never allowing the students to sit). Question I have is in regards to working in the emergency department. I was able to work in the ED as a student, but my shifts were limited and the duty was very light. Looking at a residency program for the ED and I am curious if there would be a few minutes every hour or two when charting and the likes to take pressure off of my crummy ankle. Not a lazy guy, high pain threshold, just trying to get a realistic idea, (Some say they don't use the bathroom for 12 hours or eat even a snack, while complaining their coworkers take a smoke break every hour) How one can go outside every hour and another cant relieve themselves seems a bit questionable. I do realize some days can be extreme, but trying to gauge a typical day. Thanks in advance for the help!
Not a lot of sitting during the day in a typical ICU setting. There's too much activity, and the nurse is the air traffic controller. At night, it slows down a bit - fewer road trips & less traffic. I urge you to avoid procedural areas, particularly those that may require the dreaded (spine crushing) lead protection garments.
Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.
Thanks for the insight. I am trying decide where to start my career and I truly value your first hand experience. I am thinking maybe some time on the floor would be wise, not just for my ankle, but also to build my general skill sets.
Some time on the floor is never a bad idea. Because you know going in that you're going to need a few minutes every hour to sit, the floor is a great place to develop your time management skills.
I can tell you that I am in a busy ER and hardly ever sit except for lunch. I have had 3 ankle reconstructions so I am hurting after a shift. But so is everyone else. I try not to work more than 2 days in a row. I also have 4 pairs of clogs and rotate them. I also wear compression socks. I am in my mid 40s and a bigger guy. The Danskos have been the best for me. My feet and ankles hurt way less than with sneakers. I could sit but I am a person that likes to keep up and be ahead with my patients. I do my triage while putting in an IV and getting blood. If you bunch your tasks together you should be able to find a few spare minutes to sit. For myself I feel like my ankles get tight and I prefer to keep moving.
Specializes in ED, Cardiac-step down, tele, med surg.
I very rarely sit during my shift. Some of the more seasoned nurses who do triage get to sit, but the newer folks like me rarely sit, only a few minutes out of every hour to chart. I walk between 7.5 to 8.5 miles per 12 hour shift per my pedometer.
HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD
9,051 Posts
Not a lot of sitting during the day in a typical ICU setting. There's too much activity, and the nurse is the air traffic controller. At night, it slows down a bit - fewer road trips & less traffic. I urge you to avoid procedural areas, particularly those that may require the dreaded (spine crushing) lead protection garments.