mybrowneyedgirl BSN, RN

I started ER at age 38 (2nd career) and it's the best choice I have ever made. I drive a long way to get to work. A new facility owned by my same very large hospital opened up 5 minutes away and I love ED so much I won't leave. It will be scary, bu...

Study labs, meds and "what to look for" on most common reasons patient come to ED: chest pain, abdominal pain in different quadrants, P.E., ectopic pregnancy, asthma, seizures, broken bones, head injuries on blood thinners, stroke etc. Offer to hel...

89 bed Level 1 Trauma center with our own helicopters and fixed wing airplanes. Tooth aches to aortic dissections. 3 Trauma bays but it's being remodeled to accommodate more and include an ICU in the ED. Typically 3:1 patient ratios. Some 4:1. T...

Reviewing skills on youtube actually helped me with things like Artline setups.

Never try to put it through and NG that is smaller than a 16 or you will find yourself buying new scrubs Happened to two coworkers of mine.

Level 1 trauma. 1:3 unless you're in the 3 resuscitation bays. Then it's 3 patients to 2 nurses.

Appys, gall bladder problems, aortic dissections, GI bleeds from unknown sources, sepsis, traumas, heart attacks, cellulitis, asthma, RF patients with elevated potassium and blood pressures, altered mental status, ...

I work level 1 where experienced nurses get 6 weeks. 2 weeks is way too short (and 6 is a bit long)

Small hospitals will hire ADNs. Bigger hospital will do it after 1 yr ED experience. I started out in smaller hospital and then moved Level 1 in 2 yrs.

A thank you email. But in October for ER nurses week, they do usually do nice things like lunch, cake and tshirts.

Go for it!! I started out Level II and now work Level I. Been working over 3 yrs with only ER experience. I love my job and I hope you will too.

Congratulations! I hope you love it. It all comes with time and every ER has it's own procedures but : If they fainted- they will need an EKG and expect to fluid bolus them. Chest pain - Line, labs (including troponin) and EKG right away with bed...

I use plain 8 x 11 paper. I write as follows Name Chief Complaint Allergies Abnormal labs IV location I underline tasks that have been done and "circle" tasks that need to be completed.

I have worked nights for 2 1/2 years. I sleep right away when I get home until 3p when I have to get my kids. I switch back to "normal sleeping" on my days off. When I need to go back on nights I take a nap before I go in. I try to group my work...

I've seen many floor nurses do well in the ED. Congratulations!!

Individually wrapped candy, especially chocolate

We just switched to this. I don't like the I's and O's or the blood admin features but I like it over all. Good luck!

4:1 Max in my ED, but my old ED was poorly run so you could get more than that. Maxed out at 8

In MI, $26.86 plus shift diff.

I wear Asics running shoes. Bought them at Dick's Sporting Goods, $110

Navy scrubs required by my previous ER. Navy scrubs with hospital logo given to us by our new ER. In both hospitals, every department wears scrubs too.

You would be an XS. I wear a Small and I wear a size 6 pant. I wear a medium top because I find them tight across the chest.

I too had 6 weeks orientation in ER. I think that if you study, as you seem to be doing, a new grad can succeed in ER. Utube can be surprisingly helpful. I found a great video on Art lines there. The first 2 weeks will be overwhelming. Try to so...

I work ED. Germsjackson gave you great advice. Good luck to you! I hope you love it

Review ACLS, know your intubation drugs, review how to set up chest tubes and art lines and you'll be fine. Good luck to you. i'm glad you were able to switch to ED.