Tips for a new grad ER nurse

MedicalPartisan · Oct 1, 2016

Hello everyone!
I just graduated this past January, took the NCLEX in feb, and now I've been hired as an ER nurse! I'm excited AND nervous!
Any tips on how I should prepare for this new world? I feel like I'm entering boot camp... Anything I can do to prepare, books/supplies I should buy? What do you take to work?
Any advice is greatly appreciated!! THANK YOU!!!

HOW IS IT GOING!?

MedicalPartisan · Oct 1, 2016

@medicalpartisan, rn Wow, so things have been busy! So busy that I just saw this post :) I'm really enjoying the ED Definitely learning a lot. Sometimes I feel like "yeah, I've got this" and then a moment later it's like "whoa, what just happened..." So the ups and downs have been a little exhausting. I just worked three 12's in a row (which ended up being 13's) I've found documenting is the hardest for me. I definitely update all of my interventions in a timely fashion, but I'm not so good about writing notes and using the "correct lingo" I'm worried that I might write something in a note that conveys something negative somehow...
I also still have some hiccups in giving meds because I overthink the meds and get worried about things like adverse reactions or unknown allergies. I'm definitely paranoid :/ My preceptor says being worried is a good thing because it can keep me in line, but I definitely want to try to gain more confidence while being careful and concerned. I know these things come in time but my worries have been the hardest part.
The best part is just working with patients. Even the more challenging patients, I feel good about walking in, giving them a smile, and asking them how they feel/what I can do for them. I'm sure my documenting and technical skills will improve. I can't wait for the day where I just care for my patients independently and can leave a shift without worrying that I did something wrong.
Anyway, I've heard these feeling are all normal so I guess things are going well! :) Thanks for asking and I hope you're doing well :)

Awesome to hear! I'm doing great as well. I've been off my 6-month orientation for a little while now and things are going great so far. The more I learn the more I realize I know nothing but I'm just soaking up everything possible. I love learning. Keep up the good work!