JB-RN

I just got off the phone with the Washington State Board of Nursing. It sounds like the same rules apply as said above to opiates, alcohol, etc. The only way they will take disciplinary action on a license is if it was a case of impairment on the job according to the nurse I talked to. However, there is no protection from an employer if you test positive for THC. If it is against their policies and they test for THC they can fire you on those grounds and likely mark you as a not eligible for rehire.

I saw a thread quite awhile back about medical marijuana use with nurses. I was just wondering if there are any nurses out there who are patients or know about any supreme court precedents in place or in process? I have chronic pain and do not want to use opiates and would much rather use medical marijuana. I lives in WA state where it is totally legalized (not that it makes a difference) Any input is appreciated, Thank you.

Check out the documentary "The Waiting Room". It is a great one to watch with friends, family, and folks you want to help gain a better understanding of the ER.

24 bed ED if you include 3 psych and 1 seclusion bed. We are generally 4:1 with fast track patients mixed in. If you have an unstable critical patient we usually dogpile to get them started and the primary nurse stays 1:1 or even gets more help as a 1:2 if the patient is very ill. The rest of the team, float, or charge absorbs their other rooms.

The ability to communicate clearly about care with families. This is especially important with critically ill and resus patients. I do my best to explain my actions to the family and facilitate their presence in the room.

I'm in Washington as well and love the EDIE system. It automatically triggers a consult from one of our care managers to investigate why they aren't using a PCP.

You rock Esme! :)

I never had any issues with mine. Now I am an ER nurse and nobody cares about some piercings and tattoos.

The original poster described this as a vent. Don't sweat it. Do the job to the best of your ability and be a team player. Becoming a good ER nurse takes a long time. Learn from the mistakes you make and move on. Don't be afraid to ask questions if you are unsure of anything. Welcome to the whacky, wonderful world of ER nursing :)

I had the opportunity to either do telemetry or ED and am so happy I chose ED as a new grad. I immediately learned the mindset, assessment, and prioritization skills specific to ED. I didn't have to unlearn anything. However, I will say this. You need to really want to do emergency nursing to make it. You will be tested to your limits time and time again. I learned so much as a new grad in ED. 2 years later I continue to learn more every shift. If variety, chaos, and continued learning for the rest of your career appeal to you, go for it!