ArchEmesis

Thank you for your insights. I am looking forward to experiencing the different areas. I know I have preferences... I enjoy the ER, and I think I will like surgery; other areas, such as OB and ICU, I will be going into for the first time. One of the things that has drawn me to Nursing is the variety of settings. Discovering the "best fit" for me should be fascinating. Being versatile would be a good thing too.

I have those same questions. I have been working in the ER of a small rural hospital (as a Tech) while I have been in Nursing school. I really enjoy the ER - the variety of daily challenges. I think that the fact that I will be working in this same small hospital when I graduate (May 2008) will lead me to cross train to all areas of the hospital. I think it will be in my best interest, as well as the best interest of our hospital, for them to be able to plug me in wherever they need me. I do plan to take a trauma nurse course eventually though, as that area is my passion.

Thank you for your input, I have had the experience of having to forcefully push emotions aside to work on a seriously injured friend in the ER (as an ER Tech). I was concerned that he could tell I was upset to see him in that condition. Later, that friend told me it was comforting for him to see a familiar face as one of his caregivers. So maybe I am not as transparent as I feel... I suppose this is one of those facets of "professionalism" that will improve with practice. In a small community, I have a feeling that there will be many more opportunities for practice. I feel that I do an adequate job of this "compartmentalization" now, but I know there is much room for improvement.

I was hoping to get some input on whether you think it is better to cross-train to be able to be plugged in wherever you might be needed, or specialize in one particular facet of nursing? I have a feeling that it depends on the clinical setting in which you work, as well as your own strengths & weaknesses... but I was just wondering what those nurses with the all-important real-world experience have found. Thank you, Alison:paw:

I will be a new grad nurse in May 2008. I would appreciate your input on something I have been thinking about for a while. I live in a small town in Idaho, and will be working in our community hospital (where we have an avg. daily patient census of 10 on the Med/Surg floor; and anywhere from 15 to 50 ER visits daily, depending on the season). Does anyone have any recommendations or advice on improving the ability to set aside your emotions/personal feelings when caring for a seriously injured or ill friend or acquaintance when they appear in your Emergency Department. This situation occurs frequently here. Thank you for your help, Alison:paw: