Panic setting in as start date nears.....

[ketonesRN]

hi!

i am a new grad (dec. 2011), new poster on an, and was just offered my first position in the er. after sending out over 100 apps, this was the one and only interview i was called on. most of my class was able to get jobs in the hospital we did clinicals in right away, but i moved out of state the day after graduation. i was shocked nonetheless at how hard it is to get a new grad nursing job. obviously i took the er job and now i am starting to panic as i only get 6 weeks with a preceptor. this seems like an unbelievably short amount of time compared to other new grad orientation programs.

i have gone back and read pertinent threads from the last 25 pages on the er section. i've been taking notes and buying the books most recommended as well as studying up on the drugs you all have put as common er drugs. i've been watching common er skills on youtube. those previous threads have also scared the life out of me.

i am scared that by taking this one and only job offered to me, that i might be setting myself up for failure.

i wonder if i should ask to come in for free on off days just to log more hours and get more practice. can anyone think of anything else (maybe even outside the box) of what i could do to make the most of these next 6 weeks.

btw...i am looking for honest help...i've read enough of these posts to know that many folks have strong feelings against new grads in specialties. if it weren't for the desperate spot many of us new grads are in (i have 3 kids and big private school loans due in 2 mos) ...we'd probably agree with you.

thanks in advance to anyone who took the time to read this or offer any ideas!

[mybrowneyedgirl, BSN, RN]

I too had 6 weeks orientation in ER. I think that if you study, as you seem to be doing, a new grad can succeed in ER. Utube can be surprisingly helpful. I found a great video on Art lines there. The first 2 weeks will be overwhelming. Try to soak it in and study at home. Try not to panic. You will do great. Study up on the common things. COPD, CHF, RF, STEMI, Trauma interventions, allergic reactions. Let us know how it goes.

[Skylar86]

I am a new grad (also graduated december 2011) and got a job right away in the ER. If we didn't have enough in common.... i only had 6 weeks orientation as well!

I was nervous at first.. i thought maybe I would need a longer orientation... but to be honest you learn a LOT in those 6 weeks... by the last week you should be taking your own patient load with your preceptor doing nothing but being there if you absolutely need him/her. I was ready to be on my own at the end of the 6 weeks. I am now in week 3 of being on my own and everyone is EXTREMELY supportive and helpful.... so its not like that extra support just stops at the end of the 6 weeks. You definitely work harder once you're on your own but time flys and i absolutely love it!

My advice to you is to make the most out of your orientation. ASK QUESTIONS. Think of scenarios in your head "what would I do if this happened?" remember where things are... if you see another nurse doing something that you haven't done before.. go watch and see how its done... offer to help. If you ever get down time do a round and ask every single nurse if they need a hand with anything.

good luck!

[ketonesRN]

Your posts have given me some hope! I'm happy to hear that new grads have made it in the ER and with only 6 weeks training. After reading different threads on here...I was really starting to believe that it was impossible and I was setting myself up for failure. Thank you both for the tips...I will use them! I'll let you know in 7 weeks if I sank or swam!