Rewards and Challenges of ER Nursing

[jessi_q]

Hello,

I am currently an LPN student in Alberta and will be graduating this spring. I am hoping to do my final preceptorship in the ER as this is where I hope to work eventually.

What would you consider to be the most rewarding aspect of ER nursing?

What would you consider to be the most difficult apsect of it?

I would very much appreciate any comments, tips, or advice that you have.

Thanks!

[libran1984, ASN, RN]

I too am an LPN and work in a level III ER. We had a cardiac arrest come in last summer. Got the pt back and sent up to ICU. I rarely left that patient's side because when we finally got the patient back she was absolutely inconsolable. The screaming wouldn't stop. No one could figure out what was wrong with her. I even pulled out the guided imagery. Eventually, 3-4 months later she came to the ER and told me as I did her triage about how she had died in the ER and we resuscitated her. It suddenly clicked and I realized who she was. I told her what had happened and what we did, in addition to all the staff at her side. She wrote the most beautiful letter thanking us shortly after that last visit with my name right on top!

The worst part is sitting in the lobby and seeing all the stuff that comes through and you just want to shake people to let them know this is NOT an emergency! We cannot do anything for your cold!!!