scared to be an ER nurse

snowfreeze, BSN, RN · Oct 13, 2006

Relax, the orientation will take care of all your questions. You are not expected to know everything. Most of nursing learning is after you have a job. Much of our ER patients are really clinic patients, UTIs, skin lesions, sore throats, pain, and occasionally you do get an acute MI or CVA. Many people in the USA use the ER as their personal doctor. Many USA citizens do not have health care insurance. I hope this helps you

batibot · Oct 13, 2006

Thanks snowfreeze. Anyway I have a three months orientation with this hospital, so I guess it will train me to become a better ER nurse. :monkeydance:

teeituptom, BSN, RN · Oct 13, 2006

whats the worst that can happen

you can decide its not for you,

you can kill a few people

or they can decide your not the ER type

why worry about it, untill it happens

JMBM · Oct 14, 2006

Actually, you should be scared, alittle. Any experienced ER nurse will tell you that the day you stop being alittle scared is the day the ER turns around and bites you in the rear. ...... Seriously, if the hospital has a good training program, you'll have plenty of time to get a feel for the work and decide if its for you.

swartzrn · Oct 16, 2006

JMBM is exactly right. Sometimes being a little afraid is a good thing. Always keeps you on your toes and not too relaxed. I have found that people either hate the ER or they love it. I haven't met too many nurses who could take it or leave it. To me, it's interesting and always a learning experience. You will see things and get to do things that you might not otherwise get to do on a floor. Give it some time and don't be afraid to get your feet wet though! Good luck! Julie

BSNtobe2009 · Oct 16, 2006

I'm curious and have a question. How does ER nursing differ from Trauma nursing in regards to the training? I know that Trauma is more specialized, but I am curious as to how, in general.

Thanks!

erdaynurse · Oct 16, 2006

ER nursing should be a little scary - true, most patients are "clinic" patients - dehydration, UTIs, strep throat, toothache, back pain, headache, and the list goes on. We do however see MIs, CVAs, MVCs, DKA, ODs, gunshot wounds, stabbings, falls, burns, electrocution, psych (to ALL degrees!!) and again the list goes on. The worst are the child abuse cases. But a little fear is healthy because no matter how long you've been an ER nurse, you NEVER KNOW EVERYTHING!!! Each shift is a learning experience. However, you should be provided a comprehensive orientation with an experienced preceptor (though this sometimes does not happen). But even the most experienced ER nurse makes mistakes - sometimes big, sometimes small. Mistakes happen, nobody is perfect - so just be realistic.

As far as difference between ER and trauma nursing - I work in a Level II trauma center - we all have to have ACLS, PALS, TNCC, and ENPC before we can even be assigned trauma rooms. I believe that this is a great policy because traumas are chaotic (even if controlled chaos) and having trauma training minimizes mistakes and optimizes patient outcome. I have recently graduated to instructor in ACLS, PALS, TNCC, and ENPC and I encourage everyone to instruct. I get to do 4-5 classes each year of each class and that way I am continually exposed to the information and any new updates.

I love ER nursing and could never imagine doing anything else. My only advice is know that anything can happen at any time and be as prepared as you can be!!

barbie90210 · Oct 16, 2006

batibot i sent you a private message. let me know if i can help after you have read it. i assume you know how to open it. if you have logged out when you log in again a pop-up window will open asking you if you want to read the pm. talk to you later!

batibot · Oct 16, 2006

:monkeydance: Thank you everyone for all your inputs and comments.