Questions about ER

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I plan to graduate in December and am trying to decide what are to start in. I would like to avoid Med-Surg at all costs, considering that is where I work now. If anyone works in the ER, would you mind telling me the pros and cons. Unfortunately, my program does not expose us to any ER clinical experience. Thanks.

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Specializes in Only the O.R. and proud of it!.

I know that you specifically asked about the ER, But.....

I work in the OR, and started right out of school. When I was putting in applications to hospitals, I was asking for ER or OR. I was told the same thing almost everywhere that I went. 5 years experience before you can go to either. So I applied for floor nursing, and my cover letter explained that my 5 year goal was to work in the ER or OR. The floor manager interviewing me set up an interview with the OR manager (because they were hiring, and were OK w/ new grad). The rest, as they say, is history. I am glad that I got into the OR. I'm sure that I would have enjoyed the pace and work in the ER, but IMHO, the OR is the greatest.

Facts of OR:

1) Never alone, always w/ surgeon (resident if teaching hospital), and anesthesia provider (a Pro in my opinion)

2) One to One Pt-Nurse (circulator) ratio - definately a pro

3) Call - a con due to the personal time and sleep that it can cost you, a pro because it can bulk up your pay, and incidence of getting called in may be low, depending on where you work.

4) Wide range of people to care for (I say pro)

5) Wide range of surgeons to care for - yes, I said care for (I'd say pro)

6) Wide range of procedures to see and learn (I'd say pro)

7) Rapid technological advances (pro)

8) Mixture of fast and slow pace, even with the same case! (I'd say pro)

9) Answer alot of pages for the docs (I'd say con)

10) Long orientation process (depending on area and institution - about 4 to 8 months - take buddy call before going on own) - Pro

and lots more to say, but not much time!

I hope that I was somewhat helpful,

Dave

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Specializes in Only the O.R. and proud of it!.

There is one other thing that I'd like to say about the OR...

The Nay-sayers will tell you that we do not utilize the nursing process in the OR, and that you will not be a 'nurse.'

Nothing is farther from the truth. We parctice nuring as well as the next nurse, just in a different way. We are no more or less important in the nursing community than others. You may never drop a NG tube - but will you really miss that? How much do floor/ER nurses know about proper body positioning to prevent nerve damage during a case...

Patient care, just in a different setting.

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Specializes in critical care transport.

Awesome post. I'm keeping that in my head when I graduate.

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I know that you specifically asked about the ER, But.....

I work in the OR, and started right out of school. When I was putting in applications to hospitals, I was asking for ER or OR. I was told the same thing almost everywhere that I went. 5 years experience before you can go to either. So I applied for floor nursing, and my cover letter explained that my 5 year goal was to work in the ER or OR. The floor manager interviewing me set up an interview with the OR manager (because they were hiring, and were OK w/ new grad). The rest, as they say, is history. I am glad that I got into the OR. I'm sure that I would have enjoyed the pace and work in the ER, but IMHO, the OR is the greatest.

Facts of OR:

1) Never alone, always w/ surgeon (resident if teaching hospital), and anesthesia provider (a Pro in my opinion)

2) One to One Pt-Nurse (circulator) ratio - definately a pro

3) Call - a con due to the personal time and sleep that it can cost you, a pro because it can bulk up your pay, and incidence of getting called in may be low, depending on where you work.

4) Wide range of people to care for (I say pro)

5) Wide range of surgeons to care for - yes, I said care for (I'd say pro)

6) Wide range of procedures to see and learn (I'd say pro)

7) Rapid technological advances (pro)

8) Mixture of fast and slow pace, even with the same case! (I'd say pro)

9) Answer alot of pages for the docs (I'd say con)

10) Long orientation process (depending on area and institution - about 4 to 8 months - take buddy call before going on own) - Pro

and lots more to say, but not much time!

I hope that I was somewhat helpful,

Dave

I can't tell you how thrilled I am to read this post, especially at this exact moment in time. I'm graduating in 2 months. I've got interest from an IMC and an OR, both of which are appealing to me. Ultimately, I want to work on the cardiac transplant team in some capacity, probably as an APN, but I'm keeping my options open.

The only days that I've come home from clinical really excited about nursing - I mean, excited where I can't stop talking about what I saw/did to anyone that will listen - have been my OR rotations, so I feel like it's a good fit.

Let me tell you my ONE, yes ONE, stupid concern about being a circulator. I really like starting IV's. I don't care if I never drop another NG (had to do that yesterday and I didn't enjoy the process) but I really want to start IV's! Are there ever occasions where you can?

Thanks! You really made my day, and you weren't even posting to me.

Amanda

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Specializes in Flight, ER, Transport, ICU/Critical Care.

The best thing about nursing is it is a wide open field. If you want to go to ER/OR - I say GO FOR IT!

Many facilities are now placing new graduate nurses in many areas - including ER/ICU/L&D/OR etc. Most have formal, extended internship/orientations and preceptorship programs that are tailored to individual needs! Be prepared, some ask for a time commitment beyond the "training" period.

Don't be discouraged! It is a sellers market. YOU have what hospitals WANT! Use it! To those who never ask - the answer is always NO!

Good luck! Private message me if I can help further - I'd be glad to discuss any questions you may have!

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Thanks for everyone's replies. Very helpful! Have a great weekend.

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Specializes in ICU, Surgery.
I can't tell you how thrilled I am to read this post, especially at this exact moment in time. I'm graduating in 2 months. I've got interest from an IMC and an OR, both of which are appealing to me. Ultimately, I want to work on the cardiac transplant team in some capacity, probably as an APN, but I'm keeping my options open.

The only days that I've come home from clinical really excited about nursing - I mean, excited where I can't stop talking about what I saw/did to anyone that will listen - have been my OR rotations, so I feel like it's a good fit.

Let me tell you my ONE, yes ONE, stupid concern about being a circulator. I really like starting IV's. I don't care if I never drop another NG (had to do that yesterday and I didn't enjoy the process) but I really want to start IV's! Are there ever occasions where you can?

Thanks! You really made my day, and you weren't even posting to me.

Amanda

Hi, I work in the OR and once a week, or so, I am assigned the pre-op holding area (I do this cause I love starting IV's!) I will start about 20 or so IV's that day. Also, if I am circulating and beat the holding area nurse and anesthesia person to the patient, I start their IV for them. (They appreciate it) On children, they will mask them down and I will start the IV while they maintain the airway. Not a lot of OR RN's maintain their IV skills but if you WANT to, there are a bunch of opportunities.

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Hi, I work in the OR and once a week, or so, I am assigned the pre-op holding area (I do this cause I love starting IV's!) I will start about 20 or so IV's that day. Also, if I am circulating and beat the holding area nurse and anesthesia person to the patient, I start their IV for them. (They appreciate it) On children, they will mask them down and I will start the IV while they maintain the airway. Not a lot of OR RN's maintain their IV skills but if you WANT to, there are a bunch of opportunities.

Thanks so much. I know it seems like a silly thing, but I really love IV's and IV therapy - but I also really do like the OR. Maybe if I seek out the opportunities, I can find them. I'm sure some of the CRNA's wouldn't mind if I started them.

Amanda

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Specializes in Med/Surg, ER and ICU!!!.

Thanks to all for their replies! (I just wanted to subscribe to the thread.)

Texas

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I have been an ER nurse for 2 years. I stared out as a unit secretary for 7 years and worked in that position while I was in Nursing school.

I, like you, never wanted to do floor nursing. Just a few things I love about my ER (and I work at 2 different hospitals):

1. Fast Paced

2. Most all medicine is "due now". So there is no "Gotta give this med at 9 and then this one at 11, get the lunch trays out, then give meds again at 1. . ." You get it all done in a short amount of time.

3. Treat 'em and Street 'em! I won't be looking at the same patient for 3 days in a row!

4. You will see a variety of illnesses - keeps you on your toes!

Those are just a few things I love!

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