New Grad in the ER looking for a shoulder to cry on

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I finished nursing school and went to work in the ER in July. While I do feel a little more comfortable each day, I still feel utterly lost. WHAT DID I LEARN over the past two years in school?? I feel like I know nothing. Not trying to whine, but looking for some advice on time-management, signs that a patient is going bad and such, and any other pearl of wisdom. THANKS!

Specializes in ED.

You know what, I also am new to the ER (just started in July as well), and although I've been out of school for 1 1/2 years and working on a med/surg floor, I still feel really out of it sometimes like "where did all that training go". You will get better as time goes on but remember that the feeling you have is common among new grads and other more expeirenced nurses transfering into the ER.

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Specializes in ER.

Hey, I too started in July. So far I've found that by multi-tasking and planning ahead I stay ahead better throughout the day. My preceptor promotes starting the IV and getting labs while obtaining the Hx.

Making sure that when i go into a room I have everything with me that I will need so I don't have to leave the room to get something I forgot. For example, going into the asthmatics room with a combivent, because I know that the MD will order one immediately. (by the way, is anyone familiar with ipatropium bromide being contraindicated with soy and peanut allergies?).

Good luck, I feel for you. It seems like it gets a little easier each shift (most of the time). When in doubt about a med you can call pharmacy for a good resource. And if a resident tells you to give something that makes you uncomfortable, talk to the attending.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, ER.
by the way, is anyone familiar with ipatropium bromide being contraindicated with soy and peanut allergies?

Atrovent (ipratropium bromide) uses soya lecithin as a suspending agent. Soy and peanuts are related legumes and cross-sensitivities are not uncommon. The suspending agent is only used in the metered dose inhaler preparations of Atrovent and Combivent however. The nebulizer and nasal spray forms are safe for patients with these allergies.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Telemetry, CCU, ER.

Hello,

Congrats on finishing nursing school!!! In nursing school, they teach you the nursing process, A&P, basic nursing care. The problem is that in most ER's the nurses make many decisions on there own, this idea is totally different from what we are taught in nursing school. I think that learning as much as possible about Emergency Nursing, Including taking ACLS, PALS ETC is important. There is also a new book out called the Emergency Nursing Core Curriculum authored by the ENA, It's publication date is 8/07, I actually have preordered it for myself as well. It takes time to feel really comfortable in the ER, give yourself some time and happy learning.

Melissa RN, BSN

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