Patient Care Assistant in Peds ED

[Mel2016]

Hello! This is my first time posting so hopefully I am doing this correctly.

I currently work at a hospital in the Cardiac Med/sure as a PCA. I am trying to get a job at Children's. Well I had my first phone interview with them today and we talked about different opening they have. They have an opening for the ED and she was telling me about how difficult it can be. I know the ED sees everything but is it really that emotionally draining? Does anyone have experience as a CNA in the ED that could tell me a little about what they did? I'm trying to see if this would be the right position. I am going in for a interview and job shadow soon, but I just want some before hand knowledge! Thanks!

[ChristmasKitten]

As a CNA/Tech in the ED, the core of your role is everything you would do in any normal position. Turn patients, bathe once in a while (I admit, this was a less common thing), do vitals, assist RNs, MDs, RTs, etc. with whatever they need. You'll stock things such as BP cuffs, leads, towels, ointment, bandages, tongue depressors, O2 tanks... The list goes on. In my particular hospital, techs also double as secretaries. We page people, manage paperwork, admit/DC patients as needed, organize ambulance transport, and a lot more...

As for the emotionally draining part... It will happen. Regardless, if you're in a community hospital or trauma hospital, you'll get certain cases that will weigh heavily on your heart. You need to be forthright in admitting those days are hard. Stress management and debriefings help. Most days in the ED are great for me. Personally, I thrive there, and I adore my team to pieces. This also lends to my happiness. However, I do work in a trauma ED so I see it all. A patient whose chest has become the resemblence of a clamshell vs the toddler who has third degree burns and penetrated by her mom's boyfriend pulled very different emotions out of me both. I've sent my husband texts at the end of my shift saying that I just wanted to make mac n' cheese and watch tv while I cried myself to sleep. The next day, I got those scrubs back on and waltzed right back into my unit. Why? Because this is where I belong, and I know that I can make a difference - even if just a little bit - to the people I come into contact with. Admit it when those days are hard, and, if you find yourself burning out, say something and get out. You don't deserve it and neither do your patients.

And please, never tell anyone it's going to be okay - especially in critical situations where parents/family members are begging you to tell them so. "We are going to do everything we can for him/her" is your response.

Your days won't be all bad, but you'll learn if the ED pace is for you or not. I hope it teaches you a ton about yourself and what you're about. If it isn't your jam, no worries. If you learn you thrive like I do, welcome to the party. Be safe and have fun :)