What if I chose wrong?!

[gemmi999]

Thursday is my first day on the floor as a New Grad nurse in the Emergency Department. My stomach is full of butterflies and I keep thinking: "what if I chose the wrong department!?" . What if I have to do a code? I've never done CPR before. I've only started like, 5 IVs. I've never done an NG tube. Maybe I should have listened to my parents and done a few years of Med-Surg first...I'm excited but scared and it's just...a lot.

I know logically that it's normal to be nervous, and that probably means good things versus being over-confident. But I'm still nervous and stomach-twisty and just. Maybe ER isn't for me? I just don't know!

[akulahawkRN, ADN, RN, EMT-P]

Quick Update: I've been in the ER for two weeks now, and I love it! I'm still overwhelmed (a lot of the time) but I'm doing well according to my preceptor. I've been able to participate in codes, see things I never thought I'd see, and help a lot of people so far! Plus, the manager of the ER is changing and the new manager wants all New Grads to have a longer orientation, so I get even more preceptor time! That way I've seen more before I'm on my own. :)

I will say--ER nurses love to gossip. They gossip about each other, other nurses, and bad mouth the nurses in different units. I really hope I I can avoid this! I do *not* like gossip or being mean.

The best way to avoid doing this is to not participate in the gossip. ER nurses can be very driven people and sometimes along with that comes some very strong personalities. Don't gossip, don't apologize for not participating in it, and treat others with respect. Doesn't mean that you can't be firm and set appropriate boundaries, but just treat others with respect and you'll do just fine on that end.

[AnthonyD]

Agreed, just avoid the gossip. I worked on a unit like that, did not like it.