New nurses in the ER

[chrisktrauma]

I've noticed alot of nurses started discussions on here about how they are a new grad and they are nervous to start in the ER. I want these nurses and any other nurses who are debating on this or are having these fears to understand its great to worry to an extent and it's completely normal. Starting any new nursing career path is challenging. But overcoming these challenges will be rewarding in the end. If you can get into a critical care area as a new nurse, do it! The experiences will lead you to a fast growing and rewarding nursing career. You will soon be the resource other nurses go to and you will be the one the docs are asking to assist with procedures. I work in 2 level 1 trauma ERs now and I love it. I started at Cleveland Clinic in the SICU and transfered to lung transplants. All great experiences. So keep your heads up. Be confident and open to learn new things and never be afraid to ask questions.

[BrooklynRN11201]

fantastic, thank you! I'm a new grad, scheduled to take the boards on 9/4 and had an externship in the ED this summer - I am interviewing with them tomorrow morning and would LOVE to start my career working in the ED!

Having an externship in the unit definitely helped. I found that people truly work as a team, and although it is fast paced, nobody is going to put you down for asking questions or moving a little more slowly in order to ensure patient safety. You're paired with a preceptor and they are trained so you will never be put in a situation where you can cause a patient harm - they will walk you through everything. Safety is the whole unit's goal when there's a new nurse on board. You'll be given a couple of patients at a time and shown the ropes slowly - it's extremely rewarding to provide care in acute/critical care settings and I'm excited to hopefully begin my career in ED nursing :)

[chrisktrauma]

Right, exactly! ER is a great place for learning. You get the wild a crazy, you get the sad and happy, you get the "why in the world did you come to the er for that and di you really need an ambulance for sinusitis?" and you get the wow I can't believe that person made it. You'll see so much and come out with great stories, memories, friends and skills that will make other nurses jealous :) Overall, you cannot go wrong with trying a career in ER nursing. Just prioritize, keep patients updated and be honest about wait times and if you don't know something say you don't know but you'll find out and smile. Patients will love you always if you do those things.

[OlivetheRN, ADN, BSN, RN]

Yesterday was my first day in the ED as a new grad, and even though I was fairly certain my feet were going to fall off when I got home at 11:30, I loved it. My preceptor is awesome, and the entire staff, from the director and unit coordinator, to the staff nurses, to the techs, to the doctors, even housekeeping...ALL of them were awesome, welcoming and so helpful. I was a ball of nerves driving to work yesterday and not I'm just looking forward to tomorrow. I have so, so, SO much to learn, and I can't wait.

[friendlylark]

What a kind, encouraging post :-) I am a little over 1 year into my nursing career and I started out in the ER. I have felt VERY overwhelmed, much of the time. I have questioned my decision to go straight into the ER. This post was encouraging to me, all I can do is continue to do my best.

[Ciale]

Thank you, OP. Gave me the warm n fuzzies :)