Question for ER Nurses!

It is a flex shift where you work with day shift and pm shift....I sorta like it..

? Long is your orrientation?

12p-12a exist because it is incredibly busy. I often work similar shifts.

Tips? Study. Read. Be curious- if you encounter something you don't know about it, Google. And be selective about where you get info. Subscribe to Up To Date if possible. There is such a thing as a stupid question- ask smart ones. We are more worried about somebody who thinks they know something than somebody who knows they don't.

My orientation will be for 3 months. I always ask a lot of questions and I had my preceptorship in the ER so I have an idea of what to expect but I am a little nervous transitioning to being an RN as opposed to a student. I love learning new things and I love change so I think the ER is a good fit... I also enjoy figuring things out, and utilizing skills (IV's, foleys, wound care etc). I knew after being in the ER in school I wouldn't be happy anywhere else, so I feel so fortunate to get to be there as a new grad!

On the 12p-12a shift, I am not a fan of early mornings so I think it will be nice in that sense but I have heard it is very busy.

As far as orientation goes... I do not know what to expect. I am the only new grad they are hiring right now (my preceptor got me the job 100%) so I don't know if that is a good thing or not. It is both exciting and scary!

Make the most of your orientation.

Absorb it all.

Take notes.

Ask questions.

When in doubt...ALWAYS ask!!! Not asking could kill someone.

If you have a patient doing badly and you're getting overwhelmed and feel like you don't know what you're doing, GET HELP!

As far as the shift is concerned, I enjoyed 11a-11p, which is close to what you'll be working. It's busy when you get there and busy when you leave so the time normally goes by faster :)

Enjoy the experience! Congrats!!! Not only are you a new grad who has a job, you got into the specialty you wanted!!! That's an achievement in and of itself :) Great job. If you ever want to/need to vent feel free to PM me. More than willing to listen! Good luck and keep us updated!

Thank you so much! I feel very lucky to be able to jump right in to what I love. In my preceptorship I did 11a-11p and I liked it so I am sure 12p-12a will be good too :-)