I’ve worked ER for almost a decade and can tell you for a fact it’s not for everybody! If you truly feel in your gut that it’s not for you, try something that’s a more controlled setting like ICU, Tele, med surg, etc. Not to say these units aren’t busy, but it’s more of an “organized chaos” as opposed to the ER, which is very much “disorganized chaos” lol
HOWEVER... it sounds like you’re in a badly run ER. A 4:1 ratio is very difficult in the ER on a busy day, even for an experienced nurse but especially for a new grad. 4:1 plus hallway patients is definitely too much! (It also tells me a lot when you say the experienced nurses are leaving). Also having started as a new grad in the ER myself (midsize level 3) I can only imagine how overwhelming it would’ve been to start in a large level 1. If you have honestly enjoyed ER but just feel overwhelmed in your current position, look for a job in a smaller ER that’s a lower level trauma center (not to say you won’t get train wrecks bc you will but you won’t be getting as many bad ones transferred in). Avoid the really tiny hospitals though, as the ER will be tiny and you may be one of only two or three nurses, which is also not ideal for a new grad. Medium size level 2 or 3 should be better. Ask a lot of questions about ratios and staffing when you interview, and tour the ER if possible. Should give you a few clues. Hope this helps! Keep us posted!
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