Question for ER Nurses!

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Specializes in ER/trauma, IV, CEN.

I am a new grad starting in the ER and am looking for any tips or experiences you would like to share being a new grad in the ER! I am also curious to know how you guys feel about the 12p - 12a shift as that is what I will be working. Thank you!

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Specializes in critical care, ER,ICU, CVSURG, CCU.

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

? Long is your orrientation?

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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.

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Specializes in ER/trauma, IV, CEN.

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!

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Specializes in Emergency Nursing.

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!

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Specializes in ER/trauma, IV, CEN.

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 :-)

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