Ok, now what?!

[Tiff622]

I am a brand new nurse with no experience other than clincials during nursing school. I did my practicum in the ER at a local hospital and loved it. I knew ER jobs were hard to come by (especially in my area where jobs period are hard to come by). Passed boards 8/5, my preceptor called to tell me that they had an open position & to apply. I applied, got called the next day for an interview. I get told that a bunch of people have applied (over 30 applicants) so of course I leave thinking, "yeah right, they wouldn't give me that job in a million years!"

Well, guess what, I just got the call from them offering me the job & of course, I took it!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm so excited but mostly terrified. I'm a brand new nurse, no experience & I'm going to work in an ER. I loved it while I was there doing my rotation but now I'm scared.to.death.

Any tips, books, etc. you guys could give me would really really be appreciated.

(sorry for the excitedness, I haven't told anyone yet and I'm about ready to burst with excitement waiting on my hubby to get home)

[emerjensee]

Sounds almost exactly what happened to me! I am 3 weeks on my own off my 3 month residency. My best advice would be to ask as many questions and jump in on as MUCH as you can. The place I work we have a lot of very sick patients, and just getting exposure and seeing and doing as muhc as possible when you have someone there 100% backing you up is so important.

I think its a huge advantage already having worked there through school. You've already been exposed to the charting system and the general flow which is super important.

Best of luck and congratulations!!!

-emerjensee

[BrooklynRN11201]

ha! I'm pretty much in the same boat, only I did a two month externship in the ER after I graduated nursing school and it's THAT facility that hired me. I'm not even licensed yet - sitting for boards on 9/4.

Anyway, what I think helped me a bit (since I thought it would make me look more committed having it on my resume) was getting my ACLS and PALS already - not sure if you have yours, but you'll need it for the ED most likely, unless they pay for it themselves through orientation. My facility requires me to have it but once I'm employed they pay for the re-certifications.

Another thing is, how long is the orientation period? Mine is 4 months (starting in October) and then I'm working the night shift which is generally a lot slower. Even though I'm in the same boat you are, I keep calm by reminding myself of the extensive 4 month orientation, the fact that I'll work under a preceptor, the fact that most people in the ED already know me from my externship this summer, etc.

not sure if that helps..