New grad starting in Emergency department next week! ahhh advice?

muna85 · May 16, 2010

can I ask where you are exactly. statewise

mandababy0326 · May 16, 2010

Michigan!

muna85 · May 16, 2010

oh ok. So they are hiring new grads thats great

LETRN · May 16, 2010

No advice, but I'll be reading your post for some :) I just graduated as well and start in the ED on June 1st. We have a 22 week internship/orientation, so I know I'll be well prepared, but I'm extremely nervous as well!

mandababy0326 · May 17, 2010

22 weeks... that's awesome! We have a 12 week orientation where we work with a preceptor and go to various classes and what not. I'm in the minority of new grads that they hire in the fact that I don't have any emergency experience, many have precepted in the ED or worked as a tech. Good luck to you starting as well!:)

kla374 · May 19, 2010

I'm a new nurse also (graduated in December '09) and the only advice I have for you is to ASK QUESTIONS. Any and all questions that you can think of. And take every single opportunity you can a make it a learning experience. I work med/surg but any free time I have I use it to look up drugs, read through my patient's chart, watch the other nurses do their rounds/procedures. Stuff like that.

But good luck! I spent a weekend orienting in our ED and I realllllyyy enjoyed it!

xoemmylouox, ASN, RN · May 20, 2010

First congrats on landing a job in Michigan as a new grad!!! :yeah:Good luck and ask lots of questions.. :nurse:

SoilderofLove · May 27, 2010

I just graduated from nursing school this week and am starting in the emergency department on midnights at a busy community hospital next week. I am SO excited... but even more nervous as my start date gets closer !!! Does anyone have any advice about being a GN, particularly about being a new nurse in emergency??? I know that I have SO much to bring to the field of nursing and everything will turn out okay but I'm starting to panic a little bit about my first trauma patient, my first peds resuscitation, etc. Not to mention the fear of all the smart, seasoned emergency nurses I will be working with! Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

You should check out the "Speciality" section of Allnurses in the Critical Care Section because there are many RNs there talking about ED experiences and good tips. Good luck on your new career!

Ace587RN, RN · May 27, 2010

Congrats! I also start in the ED next week, but i was working for 2 months already in the Psych ER

Missy BSN, BSN · May 30, 2010

I'm currently a nurse intern working in the ED. My advice is to be ready to hit the ground running. Depending on where your hospital is located, most EDs are quiet busy and things work at a pretty fast pace. Many of my preceptors are not very good at "hand holding" or explaining things in great detail. It's more of a watch-me-do-it-now-you-should-be-able-to-do-it-on-your-own-forever approach. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Even if it's during a code or some other hectic time because you've got to learn.

I hope I haven't frightened you. I just don't want you to have such a rough time as I have. ED is nothing like I thought it would be but if you survive it then it will definitely make you a better nurse because you see a bit of everything.

Congrats on landing a job in this job market. I wish you the best of luck. Be strong. Stay confident.