What Else Is There?

Specialties Emergency

Published

I have about 8 months of ED experience in a small, community ED. I was determined to stick it out here for 2 years in order to have enough experience to transfer back to where I grew up, where all my family is, etc. Recently though there has been a mass exodus of staff at my hospital, to the point where there is only 1 RN with experience left to be charge. Everyone else is traveler, registry or New Grad. My hospital states no travelers or registry can be charge.

Last night I showed up at work and the administration had placed a New Grad as Charge. I know we are short on Charge RNs, but being a New Grad as well, I did not feel this was safe and told my unit manager. I also told her that if this continues to happen I would have to look elsewhere for work. Unit manager stated she didn't have anyone else but she would look into it next week--she was out for 5 days on vacation.

The shift was a bit rocky--I had an ICU hold that was slowly tanking, and one other bed that a new ICU patient was placed in. I was not given ANY help in stabilizing new ICU patient, which took about 2 hours. My other patient's BP continued dropping and I would run over and titrate the drips and fluids while trying to get my new patient stable. When I asked for help, I was told everyone was busy.

This experience, plus the conversation I had with the manager, is making me think leaving now versus later is the best decision. I don't have enough experience to get hired in another ER closer to home, so I was wondering what other types of positions are out there that an ER RN would be a good fit for. Urgent cares? Prisons? I don't really want to go to med/surg or a SNF, but those options are available as well.

Any thoughts?

Specializes in Emergency.

Have you tried applying to the hospitals close to where you are from? I had to leave the small community ED after 6 months of er experience (3 was orientation) and was offered jobs at all 3 ers I applied to closer to home.

Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.
I don't have enough experience to get hired in another ER closer to home

How do you know this for sure? Have you applied? Even if it says "one year," give it a go -- just apply, see what happens. Your current situation does not sound good.

Specializes in ER, progressive care.
How do you know this for sure? Have you applied? Even if it says "one year," give it a go -- just apply, see what happens. Your current situation does not sound good.

Definitely. I applied to a position asking for "one year of experience" when I was a new grad and I got the job. It wasn't for the ER but still. It never hurts to try. And I agree, your situation sounds horrible. I would RUN.

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