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Give yourself a break. Sometimes patients will go bad, despite everything you do. If he was resting comfortably with normal vital signs, you had no indication that anything was wrong. Good job on the successful code! You said it was your first, and you also said he made it to the unit. At least you have that experience under your belt and obviously were able to function efficiently in a very stressful situation. Also, it takes a LONG time to feel comfortable as a nurse, especially with that many patients. Don't ever let anyone make you afraid to ask questions or ask for help when you need it. Shame on the other nurses for sitting around while you are running crazy. They have all been in your shoes, and they should help. Double shame on your charge nurse for not helping you come to terms with the situation you described. You sound like a very competent, caring nurse. Keep doing your best, learn from both the good and bad situations, and you will find your way. Hang in there!!

Ativan is a first-line treatment for seizures. Sorry your kiddo had a scary reaction to it!

You are not alone! I have the dreaded "butt sweat" when I get nervous at work. I work in a really busy ER, and butt sweat-inducing situations happen frequently. I have taken Robinul (anticholinergic) intermittently for several years for excessive sweating. It helps a little, and might be something to talk to your doctor about. I found information online after doing a search on hyperhidrosis. I have also tried inderal with limited success. See if you can keep a fan nearby so you can cool off when you need to. Just hang in there - as you gain confidence and get over some of the nervousness, your sweating will slow down!

I am thinking of switching from adult er to peds er. I have been a nurse for about a year and a half, and have only done ER nursing with a brief, unhappy trek into public health nursing. Anyone out there who has made the switch themselves? Love it? Hate it? Words of wisdom?

rapid iv push can cause hypotension and dysrhythmias. NOT a dumb student nurse question!!! keep asking!

As of today, I have survived my first year of ER nursing. This has been my first nursing job out of school, and it has been a long year. It definitely has taken every bit of the year to become somewhat comfortable. I don't think it will be as bad for you because you already have nursing experience. Ask a lot of questions, trust your instincts and own experiences as a nurse, and don't let the more "seasoned" ER nurses intimidate you - you have a lot to offer because of your med-surg background. Also, don't worry about ACLS. Everything is covered in class, and you will be able to practice everything. Good luck!