So I have a clinical in the ER

Aneroo, LPN · Mar 16, 2009

Eat lunch before you go.

LOL- My cousin is doing his residency in EM- that was one of my words of advice: Eat before getting there and keep a protein bar in your bag.

While you want to be proactive for your learning experience and make sure you see and do what you can, don't get in the way either. I remember having a STEMI patient that needed an EKG- student wanted to do it. No, I need this done now. Go get my IV line primed instead or stand back and watch and learn.

IlliniGuy · Mar 17, 2009

Thank you everyone for your input. Wish me luck!

IlliniGuy · Mar 19, 2009

so the first 10 minutes of my clinical rotation on my first day i was doing chest compressions on an unresponsive patient. unfortunately i had my first patient die as well (the unresponsive pt). crazy day.

twinmommy+2, ADN, BSN, MSN · Mar 19, 2009

Like the others have said:

eat before you come
know where the bathrooms are
find the resource manual like medications books
don't be afraid to be vocal and talk to us, hell we like to talk
on the same token, if something serious comes along, file the questions away until after the event and then ASK
no question is a stupid one
if you have a problem with something, like uncomfortable dealing with dead bodies for instance, just let us know. It may not get you out of the experience of post mortem care but I'm not going to put you in charge of bathing, maybe just getting stuff together
it doesn't hurt to get a little out of your comfort zone, just don't get out of it so much that you are passing out on the floor

MN BigJ · Mar 25, 2009

Sounds like you learned somethings, That's what I love about the ER. Almost everyday I learn something new, especially when I was in a very busy ED in a trauma 1.

**canoehead, BSN, RN** · Mar 25, 2009

Be aware that you don't get humor any darker than on a stressful day in ER, especially post code. Laugh heartily, we snack on our cranky visitors.

sas8536 · Mar 25, 2009

I'm in school right now and just finished a clinical in the peds ED. I loved it! It's so different from Med Surg nursing. I did exactly what a lot of these posts recommend- get with the techs early on because they will show you the basics so you can be helpful in a lot of situations. For instance, when I would run into the rooms where the action was, I knew where to look for supplies that were needed (Thanks Techs!) and could observe and not be 'in the way'. One way to do this is to help them clean and stock the rooms. Good luck- I'm sure you'll have a great experience!

GleeGum, BSN, RN · Mar 26, 2009

Pee before you start your shift and put a granola bar in your pocket. and yes, eat breakfast!

So much to learn, just absorb. I hope you get to be with a nurse who wants to precept!

It is a wild ride. Have fun!