ERNurse06

:monkeydance:

Was this an acute care facility or a SNF? It sounds as if they were very unprepared for and unprofessional to you from the very begining. The interview process is a new one, however, I like the fact they wanted to know what your competancy level is before hiring you. I don't necessarily agree with your notes, you could have been more specific, you never addressed the pt outcome. You addressed the fact of the problem occurring, what your interventions were and notifying the supervisor?? what about the patient is the blood sugar still 48? or not? is the patient responding now or not? I don't know about you but the combination of the way you were treated in the begining and your documentation skills, this place sounds like it's not a good choice, not very organized and when you are not organized you barely holding on to your license. Good Luck!

I just passed my boards on Thursday, September 28, 2006. Just remember the nursing process you were taught and ABC!!! That is how I answered all 75 of my questions. GOOD LUCK!!!

Sm - Sh*t Magnet!!

I am graduating this year... in just a few days actually!! I have accepted a job in the ER. I had an instructor once tell me that "if you ever become cold to death and stop crying on the inside, then it is time to get out of nursing." It is true, I have seen many deaths... I have worked in the ER as a tech for a few years.... I've seen old ones, young ones, new ones, tragic ones... you name it... Somehow the death itself gets easier to deal with personally, but when there are family members involved, it makes it much worse. There have been many times that I have cried with the family, and no matter what anyone tells you, it's okay to cry with them!!

Congratulations on coming this far in nursing school. I myself just finished what we call our "mentorship program" It was incredible!!! I was in the ER for 5 weeks 24 hrs a week. I work as a tech in another hospital ER, so I fit right in with all the quirkiness!! But, it's true what the others say... be ready and willing to jump into anything you are comfortable with. My first day of the mentorship, my nurse and I encountered, a cardiac arrest, respiratory distress, acute lower GI bleed, and a hip fx all within about 45 minutes. The cardiac arrest we got to the cath lab, the respiratory distress got a bi-pap, GI bleed got the NG tube and the hip fx got a foley and pain meds.... and unbelievably all within 45 min - 1 hour.... I loved every second of it!! Enjoy yourself!! Be confident, but BE SAFE!!

We have looked at satisfaction surveys and Pt's like ample parking, they also like the TV's in the rooms, and comfortable chairs to sit on while in the waiting room. If they've been there a while and they have family with them, offer refreshments, coffee, a snack.... the er visit (emergent or not can be very stressfull for family too!) Make sure the patient is warm enough.... people love our warm blankets!! We are even considering having a volunteer near our triage to offer small snacks and refreshments for family members waiting.