My biggest challenge in the ED is prioritizing. I always use the ABC as a rule of thumb, however I still feel overwhelmed with the other tasks such as discharging, admitting, and receiving patients.
For an example: When I have a patient to discharge and a new patient to see which one comes first?
Should I finish my discharge,then see the new stable patient? Or should I assess the new patient then discharge?
Specializes in ER trauma, ICU - trauma, neuro surgical.
Never underestimate the power of a quick look. If there is a new pt, you can introduce yourself, ask how they are feeling, maybe even listen to lung and heart sounds in like 60 sec. You can use that give you idea of what you need to prioritize. Give a little quick look...ok they are stable...d/c the other pt.
hodgieRN
643 Posts
Never underestimate the power of a quick look. If there is a new pt, you can introduce yourself, ask how they are feeling, maybe even listen to lung and heart sounds in like 60 sec. You can use that give you idea of what you need to prioritize. Give a little quick look...ok they are stable...d/c the other pt.