Skip to content
View in the app

A better way to browse. Learn more.
allnurses

A full-screen app on your home screen with push notifications, badges and more.

To install this app on iOS and iPadOS
  1. Tap the Share icon in Safari
  2. Scroll the menu and tap Add to Home Screen.
  3. Tap Add in the top-right corner.
To install this app on Android
  1. Tap the 3-dot menu (⋮) in the top-right corner of the browser.
  2. Tap Add to Home screen or Install app.
  3. Confirm by tapping Install.
Discussion

Planning a return to the ER

Hi all:

I have taken about a 5 year hiatus from a contingent position in the ER to be home more after our first child was born. My fulltime job is as a firefighter/paramedic, so I haven't been completely away from healthcare, but in a little different arena.

I have been missing the critical care / critical thinking and have been seriously pondering a return, but feel like I could definitely use a pharmacology refresher, and wouldn't mind brushing up on some pathophys. My nursing friends think that I would fall right back into the groove, but I know how things have changed in EMS. Not sure if just reading up on my own would be enough.

Would love to hear other viewpoints, especially from experienced ER nurses or those who have been in similar circumstances.

Thanks! :cool:

Featured Replies

I think you're right as far as brushing up on meds and treatments, however I wouldn't be too nervous about returning, you will have an orientation for atleast a few weeks if not longer to reacclimate, by then you should know if you're back in the groove or not. Good Luck!

Here is a thought-

Go to the ENAs website and look for books where you can get current info on what you think you may be deficient in. http://www.ena.org

Also, if you are a member, you can review and download documents that may help you refresh on assessments, protocols, triage, etc.

If you are up for a challange, go for your certification (CEN) because the review process for the test would quickly bring you up to speed to return to the ER. TNCC wouldn't hurt either.

Truthfully, once an ER nurse, always an ER nurse.

  • Moderator

The ENA has developed some online training that might be good review ... http://www.webinservice.com/ENA

I'm not sure how much it costs because I get access to it through the ER fellowship I'm attending, but I think I heard something about it being $250 per person. You also get something like 68 hours of continuing ed credit.

  • Author

Thanks for the ENA info - recently renewed my membership - I'll have to check out the downloads. Planning on taking TNCC after the first of the year, and will probably follow that up with ENPC.

Guest
This topic is now closed to further replies.
Go to topic listing

Currently Reading 0

  • No registered users viewing this page.

Account

Navigation

Search

Search

Configure browser push notifications
Chrome (Android)
  1. Tap the lock icon next to the address bar.
  2. Tap Permissions → Notifications.
  3. Adjust your preference.
Chrome (Desktop)
  1. Click the padlock icon in the address bar.
  2. Select Site settings.
  3. Find Notifications and adjust your preference.