Personality traits suited for ER??

MassED, BSN, RN · Sep 3, 2005

wish I knew the answer, but I can tell you a specific personality does exist if you want to be content in that, or any unit. I am doing my thesis on the relationship of a nurses' personality type to the nurses' choice of nursing unit types (ED, maternal-child, etc). Cannot find anything in literature to support it, but I believe it exists. Also believe knowing where you "fit" would help you settle in faster and be more effective. Do you all agree or am I "pie in the sky"?

I definitely think there's a personality for high stress units. I haven't worked in CCU or ICU, but have worked med-surg, ortho, post-op, etc. and found it unfulfilling. The ED allows someone with the ability to multi task, organize and handle chaos, (sometimes organized, most times not), all at the same time, but you have to be able to roll with everything that comes your way (or give the illusion of coping). I will never go back to floor nursing, I can say that much. I love learning each and every day by each pt that is never the same. New situations, new techniques, depending on who the MD is on that day. I love using critical thinking, more than is ever used anywhere else. ED nurses are given much more autonomy and that ability to critically think, and be responsible for doing just that. It adds to who you are, but then the bad situations chip a bit of your soul away, I feel. At least I know the job I do, I do to the best of my ability, which makes a difference in a LIFE each day. Some days I know I will have an impact on critical pts or their families, that will follow them and impact their lives. I know that no other job is as altruistic as this profession can be. Knowing that you can do some good, even when you feel a pt is not worthy or not appreciative, you feel good about what you did that day. Anyway, that's just my opinion. Good luck in your pursuits and do your best.

Cali Nurse · Sep 3, 2005

Well, I never thought I would end up in the ER. I was pretty reserved, started out on med-surg. When I transferred down to the ER 3 years ago I was amazed at how much more aggressive I could be and how much stress I could handle. It can really bring out a different side to you. I wouldn't say that I have the typical ER personality, but you need all different kinds down there. You do have to be able to take a lot of crap from people, which was hard at first. But as long as you aren't afraid to ask questions and work your butt off, you should be fine.

Billiegirl · Sep 4, 2005

I personally think that ER/EMS staff are a special breed. As far as personality goes listen to other posters, a sick twisted sense of humor is a must, ability to multi-task, a brain in your head, rapid assessment (it'll come to ya), and be able to keep a straight face. The frequent flyers will bother you to no end and you have to deal with that. Also the idiots that call 911 for no reason (my throat hurts, I have diarrhea) you WILL get mad! The ER is organized chaos 95% of the time, the other 5% is even better!

No one has touched on the subject of violence. You must be able to not let the threats get to you and if that pt. hits you, you can't hit back (so I'm told). Some threats are complete bullsh*t but if you get that bad feeling take it seriously. Hopefully you won't ever get grabbed or hit but if you do, it will scare you. There's no way to prepare for that.

The ER takes a special breed, your just going to have to try it on to see if it's right for you. However, it sounds like the ER may be the place for you. Just try it out and see if you're a special breed. :balloons:

Billie

kellyo, LPN · Sep 4, 2005

as far as a personality that works well in the er, you must have a good sense of humor(the more morbid the better), you need to be able to think fast and be able to handle very stressful situations well. you need to be emotionally stable to keep caring for pt's even after you've dealt with a very bad case or had a poor outcome with another pt.you need to be able to get along with people from alot of different cultures and backgrounds. you have to be very thickskinned, because you often see people at their absolute worst and they often blame the nurse for everything. you need to love the chaos and the adrenaline, and be able to work well in a group/team setting.

sounds great to me!!

CEP10492 · Sep 4, 2005

I absolutely loved the ER when I worked there, which was 2 1/2 years, before and during nursing school. Upon getting my LPN (during 2nd semester) I had to leave the ER and return to Med-Surg. I am doing everything in my power at this time to return to the ER. I love chaos and I am an adrenaline junkie. Med-Surg is too slow for me, it feels like I am babysitting. Occasionally we have pt's who need to be in the hospital and I enjoy taking care of them, but Med-Surg does not get my adrenaline going and without it I am bored. I work with a few nurses who don't do well with a sudden critical pt and it throws them into a panic. I have seen an amazing amount of things come through the ER and I can honestly say I haven't come across anything to make me panic as of yet. Time, I believe will fix this. One of the things an ER, and ICU, nurse needs to be able to do is expect and deal with the unexpected without loosing their calm.

Hi...I thought all you experienced (and new) ER nurses could help me out. Currently, I'm working in an ICU as an Apprentice Nurse. I graduate in May 2005. Recently, I was told that my personality was suited more for the ER than ICU. I am not sure what this meant and am curious to see what all of you think makes a good ER nurse. What kind of a personality thrives in the ER? What are some must have strengths and what are the weaknesses that will cause an ER nurse to fail or be unhappy in that environment?
I was initially going to school to seek a Paramedic position, but was dismayed at how poorly they pay the Paramedics in my area (starting pay $34,000) and realized with a family I can't work 24 hours shifts, which most require. I still get excited when we have a Code Blue in our unit and am always impressed by the choreography that goes on in the Trauma Bay in the ER. I decided to go into ICU nursing back in my 1st semester of nursing school because I thought the possibility was there for me to pursue CRNA school. I have since decided that I need a lot more excitement than that and I HATE standing around in the OR. Not to mention I would like to add to our family someday and with CRNA school, that wouldn't be a possibility. I love fast paced environments (I think that's why I was a waitress for years) and I love organized chaos.
Any advice or information you could give me would be greatly appreciated. I'm becoming very confused about where I would like to work as it gets closer to my graduation date. The areas of Emergency Medicine and Forensics interest me greatly. I loved my EMT class and loved going on calls. I think the variety that an ER sees is what draws me to thinking I would enjoy it. What is everyone's opinion on ER nursing?
Melanie

amy · Sep 4, 2005

Those that hate the ER often do so because "you never know what's gonna come through that door."

Those that love the ER often say the same thing.

jbird125 · Sep 9, 2005

I feel like the ER picks its own. I have seen people come and people go, in the end, those who make it end up being thick skinned, type A personalities, with a morbid sense of humor

I can't agree more, when i first started my manager said don't stay in A+E and think you will settle in, you never will, you either love it or hate it. I don't know about things your side of the atlantic, but here in the UK you also have to spend a lot of time 'guiding' the new doctors, espeicially when they start in August and February, so a strong personality and the ability to stand up when you know you are right are critial.

the words "shall we do this doctor..." are spoken with frequency in some A+E departments.