Night shift med/surg RN moving to day shift ER!!

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I have two years of experience working nights on a med/surg floor. The reason why I decided to do ER is because I want the experience and I feel as though I am not learning much on my floor. Any suggestions or advice????? And how long of ER training/orientation did your hosptial give for new nurses?? Im scared as HECK!!!! hahaha

thanks!

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Specializes in Med Surg/Tele/ER.

I understand exactly how you feel....I made the same move. Please make sure you get enough orientation.....that will help your confidence sooo much. I was getting a really great orientation then my preceptor got sick......orientation over. I had ~ 3-4 weeks....one day I would be on orientation....the next day I would be on my own!!! :no:

Anyway....orientation...is the key. Coming from m/s IMO helps with multitasking & time mgmt. There is just a lot to learn (know your protocols )

I felt like a brand new nurse many times! I absolutely love emergency nursing....I am still scared and still learning.....I would not work anywhere else! Good Luck to you!

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Congratulations,

Jump right in!

You will learn somthing new everday.

I spent 15 years in a Level I trauma center in a major metropolitan area, it was an awesome experience.

Trust your instinct, stay ahead of fear by continuing to increase your skills, knowledge and experiences. Thus increasing you confidence and competance.

Best,

R

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Specializes in Emergency Nursing.

Get ready for a big shock! Floor nursing has its challenges and is not to be laughed at, but ER nursing is a whole new world and you will feel completely overwhelmed and amazed at the pace and breadth of life.

One big key to remember in the transition is that the focus of floor nursing is long-term, but if you are going to be a successful ER nurse, you need to consider the long-term, but focus on the here and now. Stabilize and discharge - that's the name of the game.

Get as much orientation as you can and try to look at every nurse you can because everyone has their own way and they aren't necessarily right or wrong.

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Im seeing a trend..."orientation" is the key. The hospital is giving me only 1 month of orientation. Doesnt that seem too short?? I think im just a little nervous because I come from a slow medical adult unit to a fast paced ob/peds/adult/acls/pals environment. But I do like the concept of "stabilize and discharge" because on a med/surg unit, its too repetitive.

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Specializes in ER, Forensics.

Don't be annoying.

Listen to what your preceptors are telling you.

Watch what they are doing.

Ask confrontational questions later - not in front of the patient. If you make your preceptor look stupid, they will make you look stupider. Seen it done. Not pretty.

Don't be afraid of jumping in and getting your feet wet.

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Specializes in M/S, Tele, Peds, ER.

I think you'll be fine

Get all your certs... ACLS (if you don't have it already), TNCC (get it ASAP! Its an awesome class and will provide core information you'll need daily in the ED!), and PALS

I did the same thing you're doing... had a little over 2 years M/S and Tele experience, jumped to my dream job in the ED... never lookin back! This is so much more my style! I love it!

Yes orientation is big... thats your time to learn everything you need to know! Ask questions, but I'd also suggest also buying resources (I bought a few books on Emergency Nursing), observe, watch, learn, be assertive, but not stupid (i.e. don't be afraid to say "i've never done this before....help please!?" :)

For me, the basic ER patients were easy... we see them all the time on the floors,,, just AFTER they're admitted... There'll be some new stuff here and there, but you being a 2 year in nurse, you already know how to assess a patient well and you've got some nurses intuition developed already...

Its the TRAUMA that was new for me! I was learn learn learning like crazy! (And loooooving it!) The stuff you don't see much on the floors, and especially if you don't have ICU experience (don't worry I didn't either) You'll get real good at codes, know your ACLS well, and get ready to be a trauma junkie :)

New grads start in the ER all the time (I'd never recommend it, but to each their own), You're a step ahead with the years you've already got under your belt! Be confident, get out there, and rock and roll!

I'm excited for you! You're gonna love it! Welcome!

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Dont worry about asking questions, I do it all the time, but never in front of a patient or even other people. Im also not afraid to look confident, but not arrogant; if I dont know how to do it..i ask!! And if I see something interesting, I jump right in and observe. Im very excited to start ER, but, like any nurse starting a new job, have my doubts and fears.

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