1st ER Shift

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just a few short hours ago, i finished my first er shift. it was simply amazing! :eek:

no, i didn't get to see anything strange or intense. all i did was triage & minor acuity patients. the best part was that every few minutes i was learning something new. because of that, time flew by! by the end of the day, i had completed 4 - 5 ekgs, drawn labs on several pts, triaged several pts that were brought in by ambulance, and assisted on a chest tube & peg tube insertion.

the staff nurses were wonderful! they "tested" me all day long. instead of me asking "why?" and "how do you do ...", they had already asked me those questions. i have a couple of staff nurses in mind that i would like for them to be my preceptor, whenever i start orientation.

next friday night (7p - 7a) will be my next shift. we only can work 12 hrs/week, until we pass our boards. i can't wait to go back! :D

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Specializes in Emergency.

congrats on your graduation and completing your first ER shift! sounds like you did quite a bit, and observed quite a bit too! Best of luck on your boards!

xo jen

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I am currently taking prereq's to go to nursing school. I currently work in a boring finance job sitting behind a desk all day. In order to get my fix, I have been volunteering in the ER of a level 1 trauma center. It is extremely interesting and exciting. It has made me realize that I am where I belong. There is always doubt when you are going to make a move from one career to another. But these ER shifts, regardless of how limited my involvement is (I bring people juice, and try to comfort them while they are in the ER), I now know I am making the right move. So while I have about 3-4 years until I am in your position Moni, it makes me excited to hear about your experiences. Keep up the good work, and keep posting your new experiences.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Congrats!!! I have been an ER RN for 7 1/2 years and couldn't imagine practicing anywhere else - it is the coolest job!!!! Glad to have you aboard the trauma train!

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Specializes in Critical Care, ER.

I'm starting my ER senior practicum in a couple of weeks! I am soooooo excited for both of us! I can't picture myself anywhere else either! So glad you had a good time :)

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Make SURE you thank your staff colleagues for being great preceptors...those kind of people we need more of in nursing!

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Specializes in ED staff.

Been in the ED for 14 years, won't do anything else. Congrats! Remember there is no such thing as a dumb question, sounds like you work with good people, so ask before you try to do things on your own, they will be glad to assist you. We're here for you too.

:) Wendy

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Specializes in Emergency.

I simply have to post again., because during my normal nursing school rotation in triage., at the "very last second"( i was about to leave) a patient came in unresponsive...............and the nurse asked Me to be with her in the room........ and that prompted me on my whole ER career...............

This ER RN still works 1st in this er and i often take report from her........ I can never thank her enough for giving me that "taste" during nursing school....... love her.

xoxo Jen

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