Planning a return to the ER

Published

Specializes in ER / Med-Surg.

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:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER-Med-Surg-Travel/Contract Nurse.

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!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ED, ICU, PACU.

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.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

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.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER / Med-Surg.

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.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion