Was I wrong to choose the ER?

[Brekka, ADN, RN]

Every semester we are given the opportunity to write down our preferences for outside rotations. This doesn't mean that we get these locations, but they do try and work it out so that we get to go to our preferred areas.

Anyway, this semester we get new rotations, including OB, which I chose as my top because I've always wanted to be an OB nurse and decided that it was a good opportunity to learn something, and find out if it really is something I would enjoy. And my second was ER.

Now, I chose ER for an entirely different reason, and I'm worried I did the wrong thing, or at least I am worrying about it too much. I didn't choose ER because I thought that I would enjoy it, I chose it because I believed it would be one of my most challenging locations.

I am not (yet, anyway) calm under pressure, and the fast paced environment of the ER is something I never pictured myself doing. However, when I saw it as an option I chose it, because of the fact that I felt I needed experience in that type of environment. Another deciding factor was that we were told there were a lot of opportunities for I.V. sticks, something that we learn this semester, and I am worried about doing the most. I have no problem sticking a plastic arm, but the idea of doing it on a real person makes me nervous. Of all of the students, I believe I am one of the few that would struggle in that environment.

So there it is, I chose one location after passion, and the other out of the desire to challenge myself. Now I'm trying to convince myself that I made the right choice. Clinicals are about learning and challenging yourself, right?*

[Pneumothorax, BSN, RN]

every semester we are given the opportunity to write down our preferences for outside rotations. this doesn't mean that we get these locations, but they do try and work it out so that we get to go to our preferred areas.

anyway, this semester we get new rotations, including ob, which i chose as my top because i've always wanted to be an ob nurse and decided that it was a good opportunity to learn something, and find out if it really is something i would enjoy. and my second was er.

now, i chose er for an entirely different reason, and i'm worried i did the wrong thing, or at least i am worrying about it too much. i didn't choose er because i thought that i would enjoy it, i chose it because i believed it would be one of my most challenging locations.

i am not (yet, anyway) calm under pressure, and the fast paced environment of the er is something i never pictured myself doing. however, when i saw it as an option i chose it, because of the fact that i felt i needed experience in that type of environment. another deciding factor was that we were told there were a lot of opportunities for i.v. sticks, something that we learn this semester, and i am worried about doing the most. i have no problem sticking a plastic arm, but the idea of doing it on a real person makes me nervous. of all of the students, i believe i am one of the few that would struggle in that environment.

er is not always blood guts and craziness...sometimes its slow, boring and full of bs & frequent flyers... regardless you see a myriad of patients and there is quite a high turn over so you will get a very rich experience from it :)

oh & iv's on humans are waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay better than on the fake arms... but thats my opinion :)

so there it is, i chose one location after passion, and the other out of the desire to challenge myself. now i'm trying to convince myself that i made the right choice. clinicals are about learning and challenging yourself, right?*

its nice to hear that you want to challenge yourself and not take the easy way out... :)