ERFirstLoveRN

First of all, don't forget to pat yourself on the back for all you have done and all that you know. I was a SICU nurse (worked in both the small community hospital and the large teaching hospital) for 5 years before I took the plunge into ER...and it was head first into a Level 1 Trauma Center. I loved it, but it was very intimidating;it took me a good 6 months to feel comfortable (and that's about how long everyone said it would take). What you are feeling is normal;if you didn't feel this way I would be worried. Remember to ask for help, remember that you are not alone and you know your abc's...hang in there!

Hi. I am relatively new to Mass and am having difficulty finding the job I really want. My specialty is ER/Critical Care, but I took some years off to work in Case Mgmt. I think I would like to return to the Hospital and just finished an RN Refresher Course. Has anyone out there used a "Headhunter" or know of a good one? I live in Middlesex County. Thanks so much for any input!

I feel your pain! The last ER I worked in was just as you describe yours and I'm afraid it's becoming the norm across the country, sad to say. Every shift I worked, I felt that my license was on the line. One thing I wish I had done before I left was to journal after each shift I worked...I was always too tired and stressed-out to do it, but if you want to present your case to management, it helps to have lots of real examples...maybe jot down just the facts, ratios, assignments...leave the emotions, finger-pointing, etc. out...I hope you can hang in there and not just throw in the towel like I did...I should have fought for things to get better...in hindsight, I may have shot myself in the foot, so to speak. Best of luck to you....

Hello! I am new to this site, and have been reading/searching, but I haven't found anything relating to my situation, so I'll try a new thread. I worked seven yrs in ER (2 of those 7 yrs in level-1 trauma, the last year as a charge nurse in small ED) after 5 yrs working in ICU, then went into case mgmt for 5 years after I obtained my BSN. I was widowed 3 yrs ago and couldn't work as a nurse during that time, but now feel I'm ready to return....my problem is: I cannot work 12-hr shifts or clock in at 6:45 a.m. or work after 6 p.m. due to the fact that I am now a Solo Parent...am I kidding myself that I could return to the ER? Or even Hospital nursing? I am having a terrible time just getting an interview anywhere since I've been out for awhile. I plan to take a refresher course mid-January. Any input regarding how realistic my yearning to return to ER is would be appreciated. (Also, I have no family to help with childcare and no extra $ for a Nanny!)..... Thank you!