New Grad ER HELPPP!!!

[MYNAMEISIDKRN]

Hi everyone,

I finally made an account because I am freaking out about my new grad ER job... I graduated in May and passed by boards in September and I haven't kept up with my nursing skills or practice since graduation. I've been volunteering at a local community clinic but that is about it.

I was very fortunate enough to get this job and I will be starting in about two weeks. I signed up for ACLS and PALS classes as well.

I am simply asking for ANY advice for those ER nurses out there. I think I am still rusty and not comfortable with many simple nursing tasks and I do not know what is expected as a new grad in the emergency room. It is a Level II trauma center and I will be getting 3 to 4 patients. I did my senior preceptorship in the ICU and I absolutely loved it there. I also loved being in the ER during my clinical rotation.

I've been reviewing and learning EKGs and rhythms but I just don't know what I need to prepare for. Are there any good books or websites I can review?

Thank you guys (:

My name is IDK RN

[Racer15, BSN, RN]

I graduated in December, passed boards and started in the ER in January. I don't think it would have mattered if I had had a few months between graduation and boards, I quickly found that I knew just about nothing, lol. Listen, pay attention to your preceptors, and do as much on your own as you can before you get off orientation. I was a hot mess for my orientation, my preceptor was a jerk but smart. I feel like the only way to really get it is just to dive right in. Five years later and that's still my best advice...dive in, ask for help when needed. Don't ever feel stupid for asking questions or asking for help.

[13grad71]

ER is different from ICU. You get a mix of patients ranging from actively dying patients to one who came in for superficial lacerations. If you can bounce from critical to non urgent without any trouble then the ER is for you. ER = Fast pace = Time Management = Adrenaline junkie