Scared & Confused

[AshleelRenee]

I worked on a Med-Surg floor for 5 years. Recently I changed jobs in a new facility and moved to the ED. I've been in the ED for 3 months and it doesn't seem to be getting easier. This last weekend about broke me. Such critical patients and situations - I just don't feel prepared. I don't know what to do in many situations, most of the time it's my first time dealing with a stroke, heart attack, intubation, ext. and there's little to no help. I don't know what to do...I'm not a quitter, but I keep thinking maybe I can't do this. Any advice how to learn or improve my knowledge for situations in the ED? Any advice is appreciated.

[cheri1859]

I just want to say a big "Thank You" to all of you! I am a new graduate and started my first job in May. Unfortunately I was assaulted by a patient and am on medical leave with a broken arm until Oct. 4th. I've been getting increasingly more anxious about going back to work. This thread has helped to ease my anxiety quite a bit. The funny thing is that I'm not sure why?! Maybe it's a good distractionI'm just not giving the "assault" a thought and am simply thinking of getting back on the horse. The night that I was assaulted I was devastated that I would be out of work and my orientation would drag on. As the days progressed I've become more nervous about having to face this patient again. (frequent flyer)I know that he won't be assigned to me but I just don't want to have to "see" him or his family again. I won't leave my job because of this guy....I love my job and won't give him that power. (I've worked way too hard to get here). Anyway....I just wanted to say thanks to all the ideas of prioritizing tasks (I especially love the sticky note idea since I can just pull off the little sheet when I am done with those tasks or need to re-prioritize).

One of my favorite preceptors gave me the best bit of advise for when it gets crazy.....When you are being given patient after patient - don't bother to complain about it. Just put your head down and keep going. Complaining is a waste of time, since everyone is getting hit with a lot of patients. Complaining only increases your anxiety which leads to mental confusion. Keep going like a freight train....and get your work done!