Personality Traits common in the ED

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Hi Guys!

Would love to hear what everyone thinks are some common/important personality traits/strengths needed to be a top notch ED nurse.

Want to see if i have what it takes.......honest answers; i can take it!!

Thanks:up:

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Specializes in ICU, ER.

It helps to have ADD and mild psychosis. Also, staying calm under stress, being able to 'think on your feet', able to reset you priorities on a moment's notice, an ability to occaisionally engage in confrontation with pts, family, and doctors, and a lot of self-confidence.

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I like that....lol....mild psychosis and ADD. Sounds like me!

There are lots of different personalities in the ED, that's for sure, but staying calm is key....something I'm learning everyday since I am a newbie.

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Specializes in EMERGENCY.

Assertiveness? I think we can be a bit "firm" without hurting anybody's feelings.

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Thanks for all of the replies; you guys are hilarious!!

I have always been told i have ADD and am def very assertive! A couple more years of experience and I will be seeing you all soon!!

Thanks!

BTW....I have been learning alot on my med/surg unit, but my heart belongs in the ED; i know it! Everyone on my floor is ACLS certified, but I am always there first helping to run the codes to gain as much experience as possible! I'm like a leech.....:redpinkhe

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Specializes in Hematology/Oncology and Medicine.

Being firm is definately something that you'll see, and need to have. When I went though school I had one of the best ED experiences and I have to say that you have to earn the respect of your collegues, and you will, but these folks will help each other out at a moment's notice. In a good and supportive environment someone is always willing to be your "wingman". Also you wouldn't think so, but accepting the fact that you can't have a good conversation with every pt that comes in without slowing things down in the department, very much the mentality of "gett'em in, gett'em out or send'em upstairs after they're stable".

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Specializes in ITU/Emergency.

Rhinos and duck personalities do well! Rhinos have VERY thick skin and ducks, just let the water flow off their backs. Analogies for just learning to let things go and not get upset by comments from patients/visitors or other staff members. Its a high stress enviroment and while it is never acceptable to be bullied, its important to understand if your usually nice co-workers suddenly turn into monsters that its not personal!

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Specializes in ED.

I like the ADD one, but it's better to have ADHD so you don't get tired as easily!!! It also helps to have a good sense of humor and as close to endless patience as you can get. Some of the reasons people come in just make you shake your head and sigh...

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Specializes in Rural Health.

A warped sense of humor.

Ability to let things roll.

Ability to rock the boat when necessary.

THICK skin.

Acceptance that you will not fix nor save every single person that comes thru your doors.

Ability to think quickly, react quickly and have the confidence to know when.

Ability to ask for help from your co-workers, doctors, administration.

Ability to be a patient advocate.

Ability to say no.

Ability to say...I've never done that.....I need help.

Ability to know when you've reached your limits and you need a break.

A bladder that can stretch.

A endless supply of coffee or other favorite substance.

A good relationship with security (or your local police department).

You HAVE to be a team player and you HAVE to be willing to help out your coworkers despite any issues and/or problems.

A taser would be nice, but I undertstand why most ER's don't allow nurses to carry them. :)

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Well I am SOL on the "bladder that can stretch" :o, but everything else seems to fit me perfectly.

The confidence aspect is not there either, for I have only been out of school 8 months. I can't wait for the day that I have the courage and knowledge to finally move to the ED. Thanks for all of the responses; you give me hope!!!

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Specializes in ER, Occupational Health, Cardiology.

mom2michael,

I LOVED your list! I think you covered nearly all of the important topics!:up:

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I also think the ability to cope with minimal sleep when you get cr...py rosters but still be on top of everything. Also a good massage therapist helps when your back,legs and feet are about to give out.

Cheers Schoona:cheers:

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