shorty3

I started as a new grad in the ER, working in 2 different ER's over 4 years. That's how long it took me to escape to the ICU. I left for all the reasons you listed above. I hated it, and I hated knowing that people hated me. I've never actually felt like a nurse, until I left the ER and started where I am now. You need to get out and try something else. ERs hoard the most undesirable people. My view of moral for people in general seriously plummeted during that time. I have to say I am much happier now.

Thanks for the replies. Like you said, sometimes you're just too busy to go to charge and request more help as your titrating your drips! This is a CA hospital by the way. Big 44-52ish bed ER depending on staffing. I guess it all depends in that! Thanks for the validation though

The ones that stick are my 2 peds codes, neither one made it. The first, a 6 week old SIDS/poss suffocation. The next day, a 5 yr old. Saddest week if my life. Sorry to be a downer

I've been in the ER for 3 years, 1 of which has been spent at one of the busiest trauma centers in my city. In general, when we get ICU patients, charge is pretty good at keeping the ratio 1:1 or 2:1. I realize downsizing ratio depends on many factors, such as how busy it is, how many acute pts there are, staffing, and who is charge. But yesterday I had an ICU that coded within 10 min of being there. Charge was there and was well aware. There is one other nurse in our area with a total of 8 pts. I'm stuck with this sick pt, and no extra relief. The other nurse is busy with her pts. So my 3 pts sat there for hours without attention, and it sucks because that ultimately looks bad on me. Luckily I was already caught up when the ICU pt came in. I know this has to happen a lot, it's the nature of the ER. How do you handle it? Any experiences feel free to share.

I need some insight about what to do... my overall GPA is 3.47 and my nursing GPA is 3.72. If I get all A's this semester I can get a 3.50. I think I will go ahead and schedule an interview to see how this plays out. What do you all think?