junejames

Hi! I am curious how other ERs run. For instance, in my ER the nurses are expected to take blood, start Ivs, meds, assess, procedures, document, etc. We have two medics for a 40 bed ER but they also transport our patients so they do not always have time to help out. I have a be heard other ERs have phlebotomist that are assigned to the ER, etc. I would love to hear how other ERs are run because I feel like it can be unsafe at times expecting the nurses to do everything with very little time to get it done. thanks!

Hi! I started as a brand new nurse with no patient care experience in the ER! Ask questions!! Take advantage of your orientation!! You got this!

Cheri1859- don't listen to people who tell you negative things! Honestly it's what YOU make it. Ask a million questions.. You will at first feel overwhelmed but what new nurse isn't? Just ask questions and be a good team player! When you aren't busy go help others as much as possible. Build relationships because you will want the help of coworkers. You got this!

Hi! I got hired in the ER straight from school. I have a 12 week orientation since I'm a new nurse. I'm into my 2nd month and loving it! Stay persistent is my advice!

Definitely get PALS too. Take TNCC while you're waiting too. It'll help your resume stand out. Also consider joining ENA and getting involved in your local chapter bc chances are the people in the committee work in ERs near you! Great way to network and also stay up to date!

Thelema13- thanks for the advice! I'm in the ED. So far it hasn't been bad but I'm newer. I've been reading a lot about how a lot of people hate working for hca. Made me curious. What hospital chain sl you like best?

No this is not my real name

Hi fellow ER nurses! I am curious for those who work at an HCA facility or even not I suppose what certs you can obtain to add onto your base pay? I know HCA will give $1.50 for CEN & then also CPEN. But I'm curious what other certs anyone has that has boosted their base pay? thanks, June, RN

How much experience do you think you need in the ER before taking this class/exam?

And ps- any advice for me as a new grad? Books or guides I should look into?

I am a new grad and start my 16 week internship in the ER very soon. The BEST thing you can offer is patience and guidance! Don't assume I know certain things.. Try and explain and let the new grad tell you what they have done before and haven't. The biggest thing I'm nervous about (besides the patients) is looking stupid. It's nerve-wrecking and intimidating going in with nurses who do this everyday. I had a really great preceptor my last quarter of school in the icu and the best thing she did for me was not assume.. She never made me feel stupid for asking and I got to learn so much because I was very comfortable with her. So.. That's my advice coming from a new grad perspective! I'm so nervous about ER because I didn't have that much exposure to it but so excited to learn!!

I literally just had an interview for ER today was hired on the spot! I'm also a new grad. They asked me what I thought a day looked like in the ER, how I handle conflict, how I handle being in charge of others, what I would do if the patient was being rude/angry, why I want to work in the ER.. Etc.

So now that it's been a month, how is the job going? I have an interview Wednesday for ER position as a new grad so I'm curious! Also, did you have any scenario questions in your interview?

Thank you Zeus&lincoln! I think it's going to be a great opportunity so that's why I am even MORE nervous! I did my preceptorship in the ICU so I have some (limited) knowledge of critical care day to day tasks but I know ED will be different. Thanks for the tips!!

Hi! So I just got my RN license 12 days ago and yesterday I received a call from a position that I did not even apply for at a hospital that I would love to work at. They are forming an ER training for new grads and my resume landed on his desk. I have an interview Wednesday at 8am. I'm excited and nervous. I feel comfortable answering the regular "tell me about yourself" questions and "strengths/weaknesses" BUT does anyone have insight of if they ask scenario questions? I am brushing up all my knowledge of stroke alerts, stemi alerts, etc just in case but I was curious if anyone had questions like that. Thanks so much!

I went there for my LPN and am in 4th quarter of my RN.. It's a nursing school! So it's going to be extremely hard. As long as you are motivated as devoted, you will so fine! And I love Galen. It's just like any other school though. There are teachers you like and teachers you don't.

I am in the 3rd quarter of the rn transition online program! It's intense! But worth it!