What to study or memorize before going into ED?

Specialties Emergency

Updated:   Published

Accepted ER Job: What should I know?

I decided to leave my current workplace med/surg tele and accepted a job at another ED. I will be brand new to the emergency department. I have 3 months to kill.  I want to be as successful as possible, for the patients moreso. 

Should I be memorizing ACLS?  Codes? Etc? Thanks in advance.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×

You might get a copy of your county's EMS ALS protocols. They're what a lot of you patients will have had started on them already or part of what you'll start soon after their arrival.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in CEN, Firefighter/Paramedic.

Eh, I wouldn't worry about the EMS protocol, there's such a wide range of how well medics know/use/follow the protocol.  

Honestly I think having a working understanding of EKG rhythm strips (it still surprises me how many nurses are actually bad at that) and knowing ACLS algorithms (I promise, it's not as hard as you think) will be a good starting point.

3
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU/ER.

Don't memorize...KNOW your ACLS!  Find a good mentor, know your EKGs, and for a while, just keep silent and observe.  Soon enough you'll realize that you have it together and you'll be fine..  Remember, every patient could be your mother, father sister or brother, so treat them that way...even the frequent flyers.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Since you have 3 mos to kill, could get a hold of a copy of this

https://www.elsevier.com/books/sheehy's-manual-of-emergency-care/978-0-323-07827-6

There is an 8th edition now also. Pricey.

2
Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment