Pediatric ED

[sowie]

I'm a relatively new nurse (worked as an RN for 1.5 years on a peds inpatient rehab unit) and am now switching to work in a pediatric ED because I want to expand my nursing skills and gain some great experience. Can any of you Peds ED nurses offer some advice on how best to prepare myself to start and how best to get the most out of my orientation experience? Are there any books that you would recommend me reading to help get me prepared?

[purplemania, BSN, RN]

Hope you have had PALS. That would be a good place to start.

Also, ENPC course offered thru ENA

[Pedi-ER-RN, RN]

The Harriet Lane is a great pediatric reference. You are already experienced in peds, so just focus on how the unit runs, tweeking your assessment skills, etc.. There's no place I'd rather work. Is your ER a trauma center? Ours isn't, so we see alot of clinic stuff along with seizures, diabetics and the apnea babies. Good luck to you!!

Update us on your progress

[PedsER-RN, BSN, RN]

probably the best place to start is with pals, enpc (this course has a good manual), and tncc. you also might want to check out www.ena.org for more information on er nursing.

also, to get the most out of your orientation, try to get matched with a preceptor that allows you to take a wide variety of patients and gives you the opportunity to do procedures. ask the other nurses if you can start their iv's. jump in on the traumas and don't hesitate to ask questions.