MomtoThree

Jackie, We see everything -- everything. Remember that kids go down much faster in the ER than most nurses realize. They can be smiling and happy eating a popsicle one second and the next they can be struggling to breathe. Here are some things that I have learned.... 1: Always trust your instincts... If they look fine but you feel like somethings wrong, go with that feeling. 2: Keep a list of normal vitals by age, because we will see all ages! 3: When in doubt, ask another nurse. I love and hate nurses that float. Love because they are new and they see so many things that the worn out seasoned nurses dont pay attention to but hate because they are too intimidated to ask. We dont bite. Ask. :) 4: If a parent is legitimately worried, you should too. They always know when something's wrong. I think its great that you are floating! Its a wonderful place to work, crazy sometimes, but wonderful! Keep your eyes and ears open and remain calm. You know everything you need to know from nursing school.... ABCs are the priority. Enjoy! Most nurses that go to ER dont go back. :) ~~n

Thank you everyone. I think my emotions and the fear of a new place, new coworkers, new role are getting to me! Thank you so much for all the unbiased objective opinions!!

I need help from people with a good knowledge base. Im a new graduate BSN who has worked as a tech through out school on an adult hem/onc floor at major hospital in my area. Its known for its excellence and it makes me so very proud to tell people i worked there because of its reputation. However, the adult population has left me less than passionate about working there. My boss there just offered me a .5 EVE RN job there starting in a month. I want to be at the location, but Im not sure I want to work with that population. There is a pediatric hospital at this institution that I could transfer to in a few years. I also have an offer from another major institution that is a pediatric only hospital, for an RN .9 in the Peds ER. Its EVES/NIGHTS and the institution is a great pediatric hospital but not so great in the area its located at. I dont want to be at this hospital forever but I do want to be a pediatric nurse and this is my dream job! The pay, vacation, benefits are all comparable to each job. The only choice here is do I work with the population that I want (peds) or at the place that i want to be at? Or is this all in my head and its getting hard to decifer because I see my friends and comfortable place at my old job??? I need objective opinions based on what is the RIGHT choice for me based on a career path??? If I want to be a peds nurse-- do I take the PEDS job? Or stay at the hospital I want, get the med surg experience and try to transfer in a few years???