Not sure what to do..

turnforthenurse, MSN, NP · Jan 26, 2014

In today's world, take what you can get. If you're more so guaranteed a position by doing the CC fellowship, I would honestly do that. You can always branch out later on. I know some nurses from ER ended up going permanently to L&D so it can be done. Besides, the ER is a bit of everything - adults, peds & OB - so you'll still be getting some OB exposure, just not like you would on an L&D or some sort of OB unit.

I will say that I never imagined myself to be an ER nurse. I was always fascinated by critical care but the ER was very intimidating. During my critical care rotation in school, we had the opportunity to spend an extra day on a unit that we had interest in, including going to the ER. You could also go to the OR if you wanted to. I chose the ER and I felt so lost down there. As a new grad on a progressive care unit, they floated me to the ER with only 2 months of experience - I wasn't even off my 90 day probation yet! Although I was just there to "help out" with discharges and do tasks (start IVs, give meds, whatever) I still felt lost and I honestly didn't like it. Fast forward to a year ago when the census on my unit was down for a long time. In order to get my hours, we would be sent to other units. I got sent to the ER a lot and I just learned to love it. I think maybe because I was more comfortable now that I had some experience under my belt, lol. But going there a lot made me more comfortable with how things operate there. It came to the point where I was working the ER more than my home floor on PCU. I decided to make the switch and now I'm in the ER permanently With a fellowship I don't think you'll have to worry about that because you should get a proper orientation. When I was brand spankin' new they pretty much just threw me into the mix lol.

I love the ER because of the variety. You never know what is going to come through those doors and no two nights are the same. There is always something new to learn. On PCU I felt like every night was the same thing - I just got bored with it. If you love fast-paced environments and consider yourself an adrenaline junkie, the ER may be the place for you. It's not all trauma and blood & guts, though.

JLB1215 · Jan 27, 2014

Thank you SO much this post really made me feel at ease. I think the fellowship would also help with my fears but I guess the biggest fear is that of the "unknown" haha. That is true I could always go into L & D later if I wanted too. I love fast paced and always admired the nurses who did ER and critical care but I guess when it is almost time to face the music I am getting cold feet! I should just go for it.

Editorial Team / Moderator · Feb 5, 2014

You will probably see your fair share of L&D patients in an ED anyway. :) Good luck!

allnurses Guide · Feb 12, 2014

If you didn't have cold feet and be a bit nervous, I'd really worry about you! All it means is that you are going into it with your eyes open, no arrogance that you already know it all, and besides, you'll never know you aren't cut out for it until you try. With that kind of backing ("My boss is a long time ER nurse and would love for me to do the critical care fellowship that she runs. She thinks I would be an amazing critical care nurse") you have a great chance of succeeding! Go for it!