Pet Un-Peeves, or what I like about Emergency Nursing

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Much as I agree with my colleagues complaints, humorous and not so...and I do agree with almost all of them (My top ten pet peeve list has been expanded to at least 20)..I feel like it is time to say what I like about my job, and see what anyone else might add.

It is almost never boring.

I work with some really great people.

I get to do health education for some people who have no other contact with a provider on any level.

I work with some truly terrific docs who rely on me to use my experience and critical thinking skills, and treat me like a colleague.

I meet people of such diverse backgrounds, be it ethnic, vocational, religious, or otherwise, who I would never meet in any other circumstances.

I get to help people who have no other place to turn to.

I get to give Adenocard...whoa..(hey it really is as close as we can get to manipulating that heart without opening it up).

I still learn something every day (After 40 years, a great thing to say)

I know there are lots more things to add to this list--no one would ever accuse ER staff of being sappy, but all those altruistic reasons we went into nursing are there.

Best wishes all...

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Not an official RN yet but I work in a ER - Theres NEVER a dull moment!!!

I enjoy:

Dementia patients singing

Dementia patients cursing

Dementia patients having a serious debate with no one at their bedside

Old grannies flirting with the male staff

My family (co workers colleagues everyone from docs to transport)

Making the impossible, somehow possible ..Little miracles here and there

Dunkin Donuts at 2am

Thats it for now, but I'll be back with more!

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I am BAD BAD BAD,:nono:, but I always enjoyed winning the "Guess the BAL" pool money for the resident ETOH-er sleeping it off. That was a looong time ago. I don't think anyone does that anymore.

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Specializes in Cardiac, ER.

I am BAD BAD BAD,:nono:, but I always enjoyed winning the "Guess the BAL" pool money for the resident ETOH-er sleeping it off. That was a looong time ago. I don't think anyone does that anymore.

Of course we still do that!!!! :D

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Specializes in ED, ICU, PSYCH, PP, CEN.

all the above posted and:

Guess the BAL is a game we all still love to play

Guess the street drug on board is a new game we love to play

What do you think this "bad" handwriting says is also great sport

the chance to make someone really scared feel safe

working with all ages

seeing all kinds of icky stuff

working side by side with the doc's

having them ask your opinion

getting to see miracles

getting to see lots of "hot" firemen

I know there is more but I'm tired

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I love the "legal high" when the endorphins kick in!!!!!

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What is "guess the BAl?" Is it something I can play at home?

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What is "guess the BAl?" Is it something I can play at home?

Blood Alcohol level. I'm not so sure it's a one person game;)

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Specializes in SICU.
What is "guess the BAl?" Is it something I can play at home?

It stands for Blood Alcohol Level, so no it would be hard to play at home. Although you could do some guessing while watching Cops.

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Specializes in Emergency, outpatient.

I meet people of such diverse backgrounds, be it ethnic, vocational, religious, or otherwise, who I would never meet in any other circumstances.

That is why I chose the place I am working now. BIG variety of very interesting people....I work in Hawaii. And that is also the reason I am still in the ED after 22 years of emergency nursing. I feel sorry for new nurses who are already so burnt out all they can do is whine. Thanks for this thread, ERbunny!!

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Specializes in Hospitalist.

I love being an ED nurse and would never go back to the floor. So why do I love it?

I love having to figure out what is the matter with the patient. Pt's on the floor come pre-diagnosed. Ours don't.

I love the autonomy. "Hey, doc, I'm going to give 4 of Zofran to the pt in 8, OK?" "I'll put in for a CT stone protocol for this guy, OK?"

I love making people feel better in a way that I can see immediate results. You come in with nausea and vomiting and leave a couple of hours feeling better. What more could you ask for?

On a slightly different note, I love bringing my dog, who is a registered therapy dog, to visit pts in the ED. Everyone loves her and she is a star. I would never have had the opportunity to visit in the ED if I didn't work there in the first place.

Finally, the 2 best things about working in the ED..."Treat 'em and street 'em" and "Turf and surf", i.e. Discharge them home or transfer to the floor. Either way, no one outstays their welcome in the ED. I like the variety and seeing lots of different people.

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Specializes in Telemetry and ER.
I am BAD BAD BAD,:nono:, but I always enjoyed winning the "Guess the BAL" pool money for the resident ETOH-er sleeping it off. That was a looong time ago. I don't think anyone does that anymore.

Oh yes, we still do it, I think I bought my lunch with my winnings!!!!!!!:yeah::D

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