Nursing student starting ED placement in the fall. Need Advice/Tips

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This is my first post! I just chose an Emerg placement for my final year of nursing school in our clinical lottery. I think I may have underestimated at how intense the ED might be. I was hoping somone might have some advice as to what skills I should work on before I start in the fall. Also, if anyone has any rescources for students in the ED that would be really great. Thank you!

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Allo!

I just started my preceptorship in the ED, I have about 50 hours or so....

if you want my two cents, I'd say practice routine skills, IVs, Blood Draws, EKGs, Foleys, NG tubes...

Neuro Assessments, stroke and MI signs, PE signs symps. Electrolyte hypers and hypos....

most importantly, know where all the equipment is in the rooms, where the ambu bags are, the suction, the O2 and that everything is set up and ready go before a pt is even in the room.

other than that, itll all snowball together. or at least I hope it will for me!

Everyday is crazy and I feel like I know nothing, but by the end, I've learned a lot.

-j

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Specializes in Emergency Room.

I work ED. Germsjackson gave you great advice. Good luck to you! I hope you love it

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Don't worry too much about your skills and abilities. You are a student- there to learn.

Be as helpful as possible- vollunteer to assist with unpleasant stuff. Your attitude will affect how people see you, and will encourage them to involve you in good learning experiences.

Be sure you have an understanding of your scope of practice as a student. Don't, in an effort to be helpful, or learn something, overstep your bounds.

Hav e a good time- this ER nursing stuff is fun.

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I love having nursing students shadow with me in the ED. My ONE big pet peeve though is this: if you're walking with me, walk WITH me, that means keep the pace, don't make me have to constantly look back to see you left behind in the dust. I will happily take the time to talk about procedures, medical conditions, why we're doing it this way as opposed to another way, etc, but I do not want to use up time getting from point A to point B by strolling along.

I imagine it's probably different when you have a formal experience planned there, but when I get students I don't know what they are allowed to do or not do, so make sure your preceptor knows and also be proactive about asking to do things you can do (even if you don't know how yet or haven't actually done it on a human yet).

Good luck and have fun!

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I agree that a positive attitude will go very far; as will being a team player. Volunteer to assist another nurse if you and your preceptor aren't busy. Besides practicing basic skills and recognizing most common s/s of diseases, decompensating pt condition, etc. be open to criticism. Although I firmly believe that you praise in public and criticize in private, not all people (or ER Nurses) hold my same values. Develop a thick skin because during a true emergency when pt's are dying there is no place for egos or a sense of entitlement. There may be raised voices, not every one says "please". If any mistakes happen on your part learn from them and accept accountibility; likewise, learn from other's mistakes as well.

Basically, in the beginning, it is best to observe the inner workings of the ED by keeping your eyes and ears open and your mouth shut....remember, NO one knows everything. We, as nurses, are always learning. Ask as many questions as you can; or write them down so you can ask the next shift your there. You can learn as much from me as I can from you. :rolleyes: Most seasoned nurses will bend over backwards to teach and help students, but not if the students are slacking or being disrespectful.

Last tidbit....ER nursing is controlled chaos!! Much of what we do everyday is a fine balance of skill, common sense, curiosity, intelligence, compassion, and stubbornness (is that a word?? :confused:) Try to look at this facet of nursing like a game of chess. You have to think a few moves ahead for most outcomes to your interventions, whether positive or negative. Most of all learn as much as possible and have fun!! Hope this helps...

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Specializes in Critical Care, Emergency Medicine, Flight.

it all looks like a hot mess, but its organized.it'll be ok. you'll love it or hate it! :)

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Specializes in Psych.

I agree with all the posters.

I started as a student in the ED with no intention of staying there. But quickly discovered I was a true adrenalin junky with the attention span of a flea. Perfectly suited for the "organized chaos" of the ED. It sucked me in and I've been at that same ED ever since. Even if you absolutely hate it, you'll get a chance to perfect your skills in puttting all kinds of things into patients, taking all kinds of things outta them, and seeing everything from a twisted ankle to the severely septic coding train wreck. It's a great way to get exposed to a little bit of everything.

Good luck, you'll learn oodles!

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