I have been a Nurse Tech in the Emergency Department now for about 6 months. As a previous EMT and current nursing student, I can honestly say I have learned more in the last 6 months than any other time. Clinicals and books can not prepare you for what happens here!! I find that my knowledge in school is also above where most of the other students are because the things I do 100X a day here they have never done. Although the pay is terrible, the hours are long, and sometimes you just feel in the way...when you have your nurses look at you and personally thank you for your help, there is no other feeling. This position has made me question my choice to become a nurse, but I now know beyond a shadow of a doubt that the Emergency room is where I thrive. If you are in it for the money, know that eventually it will come. This job with make me a better nurse and asset to any company that I work for. I hope this helps put some things in perspective for the tech that feels overwhelmed and underappreciated. You ARE appreciated in more ways than you will ever know, especially by those patients that see you more than most other people in the hospital. We are here for them.