Hi all, Ive been a nurse for a year, but I'm brand new to ER. Ive noticed the last couple of shifts, Ive been a little discouraged. I feel like a brand new nurse all over again. I've only done 4 shifts so far, Ive acquainted myself with the flow and where things are, the computer system, extension numbers, etc. I will say Im definately slower than the other nurses. I take more time to double check everything, espcially since so many orders get put in at once. I'm definately not an expert at IVs, so I take more time than others to insert them, especially with the older folks. We have a lot of residents in the ER and they get frustrated when things arent done right away. Today a resident wanted an xray right away and I entered it into the task book for the tech to do it. Thats what my preceptor told me to do. He came to me saying "no, I need it now." I had 2 other patients I needed to triage with my preceptor and start IVs, and draw labs on. I told him what this resident said to me, and my preceptor tells me "tell him to do it himself." I definately didnt tell him that, but eventually the tech did it. I do feel overwhelmed and my question is, is there anyone here who started in ER or moved to ER and felt they were starting from scratch? How did you handle it? Im determined to learn and succeed on this unit and would like advice.
