New Graduate ER Nurse

Trauma Columnist · Aug 25, 2008

I don't see a problem with a new grad in ER provided they give a very adequate orientation. The only problem I see is that sometimes it is difficult to go from one role to another in the same place.

Good luck...

FFMedic2RN · Sep 2, 2008

Go for it. I start hospital orientation next Monday for my new ED RN per- diem job. I have 14 years as a Paramedic and I am nervous about my new job, I feel confident in my assessment abilities. Besides, you will be with a preceptor, you are not alone.

heylfire · Sep 3, 2008

The issue that I run into, is that even though I have 6 years experience as a CNA (covering all aspects of nursing care) my manager still seems to champion the out dated notion that all must gain med-surg time. It is interesting becasue as out department becomes more and more modern (we are almost fully e-record now) the older nurses can not work the computer as effeciently, our generation has grown up on computers and we have no problems with the electronics, and it seems that as a new grad we would be more suited for ER work... (we are fired up and should have an open mind, allowing the department to mold us into what they want in a nurse)

ScrappyED, BSN, RN · Sep 3, 2008

I think it depends on your experience before graduation and your attitude.

I was a new grad in our ED, which is a level-1 Trauma center, and did extremely well. But, I had worked in the hospital as a unit secretary, cardiac monitor tech and nurse tech on a prn basis before getting hired in the ED as an RN. I also had a very thorough orientation and my manager was very pleased with my performance as a new RN. We actually have several nurses who were all new grads in the ED and my preceptors both said that they preferred new grads because they don't come in with preconceived notions about how things "ought" to be done, they don't think they already know everything and they are usually very eager to be there and learn new skills and new information.

That being said, I can't imagine being a new grad in our ED without having hospital experience prior to starting there. We are just too busy and get the most critical patients from our region because of our Level-1 status for someone who is brand-new to healthcare to pick up quickly enough. Since you have had previous experience you ought to do well--as long as you get a good orientation.

Oh, and you have to thrive well in chaos :wink2:

Good luck!

heylfire · Sep 3, 2008

Thank You for you input! I have worked in our ER for almost 18mths... and I love the chaos, that is one of my favorite parts (nothing like a rampaging drunk at 3:00am!) But, most of all it is the RN staff, they are so secure in what they are doing, it is like the department is jsut an extension of what they are, I have worked on the med-surg floors at our facility and I just do not see that up there...

twistedpupchaser · Sep 4, 2008

My final placement as a student was in our emergency department and while I loved working there, I found that I was not ready to work there as I lacked the "street skills" as my preceptor so delicately put it. It was suggested that I work in med/surg to get my skills up and then give it a go.

I am now doing my graduate programme which luckily for me is done in 3 rotations over 12 months and I scored ed as my final rotation. To make the transition better there is an period of working supernumerary with an experienced nurse and a strong preceptorship programme.

To be honest I think doing a placement in ed as a student was probably not the best thing for my development as a nurse, it has spoilt me and I cannot picture myself on the wards after that great experience. Good luck and if it is what you want go for it!

sean5732 · Oct 1, 2008

Hoping to go to the ER or OR when I pass the NCLEX

aaronrnmedic · Oct 10, 2008

Sounds to me like you should go for it! Especially if this is the ED that you already work in. You probably know the "flow" of your ED which will help ease your way into that position. Do what you know and love. :up:

JoI8815 · Oct 11, 2008

You can work as an ER tech (which is what i'm going to do) in your second year of nursing to gain experience and then I believe that yes, you should have enough experience to begin working in the ER after graduation...I mean, you gotta start somehwere....right?

silentRN · Oct 14, 2008

I still think you should start off on the floor before doing ER or ICU. Not all wards are alike. I don't like Med-Surg, but intermediate care is a great floor to start off on because you get all the skills down. You probably don't get to run drips in the ER like you would on the floor, or see basic meds that are given every day to patients or learn how to communicate with physicians and deal with families. I wanted to to be in the ER so bad when I graduated and interviewed for it, but instead I excepted a job in a trauma unit. I didn't think that I would like it, but now I am very greatful that I was offered a job on this trauma unit because when I leave I now have a foundation and experience to fall back on. I now want to get into ICU instead of ER because I love the technicality of it all, and being able to sit there and see something unfold before your eyes either good or bad, which you don't get to see in the ER. I did my preceptorship in the ER too and I really thought I would be an ER nurse. Now I realize that trauma is the only way to go. Things change and so do your ideals of nursing when you're actually on your own.

-David

CherryERRN · Oct 16, 2008

I am starting in the ER in 3weeks.. A little nervous and excited but if ER is where you want to be go for it :)