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Discussion

OR to ER Trauma Level 1

Hello All,

Currently I have been a non-clinical nurse for the last 6 years in Utilization Review and currently work remotely. I love my job, however, have an itch to go back to the clinical world. (I know..I am insane) My clinical experience includes CVOR and ambulatory surgery and I while I still love the OR and it is my true calling to be in surgery, I would like to explore ER nursing. 

Since this newfound discovery of mine, I have encountered quite a few road blocks during interviews in my local hospitals. Right now, I have an interview on 5/6 for a Level 1 Trauma ER for a part-time day shift position. I was told I was qualified to interview because I would only need to brush up on fellowship classes rather than undergo the actual year-long fellowship they offer at certain times of the year. This is so far the furthest I have got with trying to enter a new specialty. 

Is it wise to start out in an ER like this? Is there anything that would be helpful for me to do before I even accept the position? Any thoughts, advice etc. would be extremely helpful. I know there will be a steep learning curve after being nonclinical so long, however I am willing to invest the time and energy to get back up to speed. Thank you!

 

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    That's a very busy unit to be starting completely cold in emergency nursing, and on just a part time basis. Seems as though more than just 'brushing up' will be required. You may have 10 or more patients at one time just for starters, let alone the chaos and distractions of everything around you. If ER nursing is interesting to you, either go full time with the full orientation/training that they offer folks new to ER or wait for a position at a smaller, slower paced community ER. This sounds like the kind of place that will hire someone out of their depth, not give appropriate training and support and then blame them for not doing well.

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    I worked at two separate level one ERs, the orientation was like 5 months one on one with a preceptor and classes and certifications in BLS, ACLS, TNCC and ENPC but mine was shortened because I had (1) previous non-nursing level one experience (radiography) and (2) came from another level one. Orienting a new nurse is a huge expense and I can't see them investing that for a part-timer but if they want you then go for it and good luck.

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    Are you doing a fellowship program into the ED? If you are, then yeah, you should be okay. If not, I would not recommend it and don't think that's a good idea. The last time I saw that happen was a nurse care navigator (office job) made the switch and she quit within a month because it was too chaotic for her. 

    It's a lot to take in and it will be overwhelming. You need the education and resources to be successful in that environment. Good luck and I hope it all works out for you!

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