Should I even consider ED??

trsnurse · Feb 18, 2004

Okay, I just found this site yesterday.... I have worked in ICU for 9 years and I am really bored where I am, the unit I am on at this point is more like a tele unit that ICU. We fight over who gets the unstable patients.
Tomorrow I have an interview for a ED position....which is a whole new thing for me. I was excited about it, but after reading some of these discussions I am not sure if it is a direction I should take. Everyone sounds so disgusted with their jobs and the people they treat..... Is this reality??
I also have apps in for ICU positions at a level I trauma center....county facility. Would I be better off in ICU. I am burned out, but nothing else interests me....and my checkbook is feeling pain.
Suggestions anyone??????

If you want "unstable patients" you can find them in ER's, as far as "the people we treat"...well they are at times disgusting, but they are also the patients we send to ICCU's. ER is frustrating- you have frequent flyers, drug seekers, (these are usually the same). BUT you get to do some exciting things, and you do meet some really great people-patients and staff. but nevertheless it is a challenging job. 9-years in ICU-might need a little ER now. You know treat em and street em aint all bad. Good luck in your decision making. I love what I do, frustration included.

RNin92 · Feb 19, 2004

If you want "unstable patients" you can find them in ER's, as far as "the people we treat"...well they are at times disgusting, but they are also the patients we send to ICCU's. ER is frustrating- you have frequent flyers, drug seekers, (these are usually the same). BUT you get to do some exciting things, and you do meet some really great people-patients and staff. but nevertheless it is a challenging job. 9-years in ICU-might need a little ER now. You know treat em and street em aint all bad. Good luck in your decision making. I love what I do, frustration included.

I cannot agree more!!!

A friend of mine transferred down to the ED just before I did...

And at the end of a particularly horrific shift...we still say...

"Our worst day in the ER is still better than upstairs!!"

I LOVE what I do...drunks, psychs, seekers and all.

But then, I have been known to be called a VERY sick person!!!

Good Luck!

kc ccurn · Feb 19, 2004

Okay, I just found this site yesterday.... I have worked in ICU for 9 years and I am really bored where I am, the unit I am on at this point is more like a tele unit that ICU. We fight over who gets the unstable patients.
Tomorrow I have an interview for a ED position....which is a whole new thing for me. I was excited about it, but after reading some of these discussions I am not sure if it is a direction I should take. Everyone sounds so disgusted with their jobs and the people they treat..... Is this reality??
I also have apps in for ICU positions at a level I trauma center....county facility. Would I be better off in ICU. I am burned out, but nothing else interests me....and my checkbook is feeling pain.
Suggestions anyone??????

lesjen, I'm coming from a total ICU mentality, I've been at a level I trauma for 12 years now. I can understand the burnout aspect. What kind of an ICU are you in now? Sometimes just a little fresh air, a different perspective will help with the burn out. If you love the critical skills of ICU ( ICU and ER are different) you might try moving to the Level I and see if that helps. I admire ER for what they do, it is a speciality all their own. I tried ER once, for about 2 weeks. My friends and co workers would kid me because I did a full head to toe assessment on a simple hand lac that was sutured and sent home. That aspect was nice that you got to send a pt home instead of being with them for 12 hrs. On the otherhand, I like (usually) the interaction and bonding with the pt's and families.

Good luck in your decision.

teeituptom, BSN, RN · Feb 20, 2004

ER the only way to fly

Trauma Columnist · Feb 20, 2004

Right on Tom - ER - the only nursing job! tee hee hee Like one of the other posters though - I've been called "really sick" by my co-workers too!

erjulie · Feb 21, 2004

I go back and forth between the two...er and icu. it's two sides of the same coin. always remember when changing jobs, there's nothing written in stone that you have to stay. but stay longer than 2 weeks, it takes awhile to make the mental change. it's a blast, and I laugh harder in er than anywhere else. :chuckle

susi_q · Feb 21, 2004

Just moved to ER in January from CCU/Tele - It was a great move for me. No more of the "same old" - There's always something new coming in the door. I have my days when I feel like I will never know what I am doing again - but I'm not just running on autopilot anymore either. Can you arrange to pick up a couple shifts to see what it's like before you jump?

Good luck in your decision. It's not for everyone, but can be a blast!