Transition from Trauma Research to ED Bedside Nursing

Editorial Team / Moderator · May 30, 2018

Congratulations! How long is your orientation? I think you will find that theory and application comes with a bit of a gap, but you have a solid knowledge base. Don't be alarmed if you feel very slow at first. Good luck!

JKL33 · May 30, 2018

Do you have any tips for someone who has the most up-to-date ED/Trauma nursing knowledge, but limited bedside experience transitioning to ED bedside?
I plan on being humble and very open to learning.

Hello Brian,

This is certainly a wise and charitable plan, but I think in order to give yourself the best chances of success you could even step it up a notch: Plan to be just as likely to feel like running away or that you might (figuratively) soil your trousers...just like nearly everyone else feels at some point.

I think you have some knowledge that you can integrate into what you're going to learn - but to be on the safe side probably shouldn't be tempted to make the mistake of thinking it's significantly going to affect your ability to operate right out of the gate. Once you get your bearings and into your future I can see how your experience and research-mindedness would benefit you in taking good care of patients!

Congrats! Hope you love the ED.

DFWEDRN, MSN, RN, EMT-P · May 31, 2018

Hi Pixie.RN,

My orientation will be 12 weeks. Super nervous and excited and the same time. Thanks for the words of encouragement!

-Brian

DFWEDRN, MSN, RN, EMT-P · May 31, 2018

Hi JKL33,

I like the idea of planning on feeling like running away, but no worries I don't plan on actually going through with that. I am determined to stay an ED/Trauma RN. I plan on combining my current knowledge and building it during my transition into ED practice.

Thanks for the words of encouragement!

-Brian

Editorial Team / Moderator · May 31, 2018

Other thoughts - as much as I adore trauma (it's my passion/focus/job), it's a teeny drop in the ER bucket of presentations. Don't be surprised if despite your academic knowledge, they don't throw you into the trauma bays immediately - many facilities don't let newer nurses anywhere near the trauma assignment for a while (sometimes a couple of years), though yours might be different. I started as a paramedic, then an ED RN (generalist), and moved into the trauma specialty after 11 years at the ED bedside. That generalist knowledge has served me well because our trauma patients often arrive with medical/non-trauma issues and comorbidities as well. It can be a big learning curve, but it sounds like you are up to the task. Please keep us posted on your progress!

amzyRN · May 31, 2018

Pixie is correct about Trauma being a small portion of presentations to the ED. I was fortunate to do a residence in 2011 at a trauma center and the nurses who got sent to the trauma bay had years and years of general ED experience. When I worked in the ED it took at least a year to get into the resus/trauma bays (this was at a non trauma hospital-but did get traumas when the Level 1 in the area was diverting ambulances). In all likelyhood you're looking at a 2 year wait before you see any trauma, so enjoy what the rest of the ED has to offer. Most patients who come in through the ED get discharged. In both EDs I've worked with (both high acuity places), most patiets were still discharged or med/surg and tele admits-relatively mundane cases. I guess my point is that even though the ED isn't all trauma and Codes, doesen't mean it's not filled with learning opportunities and fun.