New grads in the ER

Rena RN 2003, RN · Sep 10, 2003

And comparing ED nurses: med-surg nurses to college profs.: kindergarten teachers...that's really poor.

i'm not sure how the poster meant this statement but here's my take on it. i didn't read that as a putdown to m/s nurses any more than a putdown to kindergarten teachers. i took it to mean that there is simply that vast of a difference between m/s and ED nursing as there is between college/k-garten teaching. each profession noble in it's own right, just very different.

that being said, i'm completely thankful there are wonderful m/s nurses out there because it sure isn't for me. i have no desire to deal with the same patients for days on end. i love the diversity the ED gives me. i love never knowing what's coming through the door. i love having to be on my toes because someone came in with a hang nail and wound up a AAA.

i believe new grads can prosper in the ED under the right conditions. personality of the grad, personalities of precepting nurses, department attitudes, and the will and drive to suceed as an ED nurse. but i believe that for each and every nursing department. i know i would suck as a m/s nurse. it isn't my cup of tea.

OO7Trauma · Sep 12, 2003

Hello,

Due to the nursing shortage, ED's have really no other choice than to hire new grads. I feel that new grads can do very well in the ED. I myself was a new grad, and many of the best ED nurses that I know started off as new grads. The key is finding out if the ED is right for you. A new grad will know within the first 8-12 weeks if ED nursing is for them. If it isn't for you, GET OUT!. You are not helping anyone by staying. It has been my experience that the only new grads that do not do well in the ED are the ones that know the ED is not for them, yet they hang on. Good Luck to all the new grads looking to come to the ED. Welcome to the Clan.

DevelopmentRN · Sep 19, 2003

I have a unique perspective on this as former ED nurse and as someone that coordinates a residency program for new grads. The answer is a big NO. They don't have the technical, critical thinking or organization skills required to function in the ED.

catchup82 · Sep 20, 2003

i started in eod after 8 months on midnights on a med surg floor......i got tired of sleeping patients.......i just wasn't busy enough to stay awake...i went to er......got terrible training.....got caught in a feud between my director and preceptor. not a good position. i learned by being tossed in the fire......actually 4 years latter i am still learning.....i work with great staff.....just not enough of us. what is that mindset? why does administration not see the need for staff to patient ratios as safe? weird........

veetach · Oct 1, 2003

I believe new grads need the experience and training that is obtained on a med surg floor, not in a specialty unit. Sorry, thats my opinion...