What you wished you'd studied before becoming an ED RN

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Specializes in Tele RN on the West Coast.

I was wondering what you all wished you had studied more about before becoming a ED RN? I have reviewed a lot of material but I would like to see what material I have overlooked that would be critical for an ED nurse to know a lot about

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

The ABCs of ABGs ... LOL. Seriously, having a good grasp of ABGs -- the values, the whys and hows, the treatments for acidosis and alkalosis -- will be of great benefit in dealing with critical patients.

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The top 10 meds given in the ED - ( morphine, dilauded, zofran, reglan, rocephin, zithro, heparin, cardizem, nitro, toradol - in my ER )and their parameters/related assessment and more about cardiac rhythms.

:nurse:

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Specializes in ED.

The relaxation techniques of the Dali Lama, and how to get by on 3 hours of sleep a dag while keeping your employer and family happy. Been doing the ER night shift in busiest ER in town since October havnt used ABG values once. Better off taking a course on verbal judo. Or learning an awesome hobby

My two cents

Peace out

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Specializes in ED.

Lunah. Not sure the new Doo is army regulation.

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Abnormal psychology.

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I saw a list of books once for required reading of emergency medicine residents. I'm pretty sure that list would be a good thing to choose from. I'll Google around and see if I can find it.

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Specializes in Tele RN on the West Coast.

Thanks for all your input.

Lunah,

It seems that ABG's are one of those subjects that once you've got it, you can look at them and not even know you are analyzing them but indeed you have. I will be sure to look over treatments for specific ABG's again.

Panurse123,

Those meds are certainly core to the ED and I will make sure to know them backwards and forwards.

Badphish,

Lol! I laughed while reading your post and I'll be sure to look for some Zen when "it" hits the fan. Good advice.

Steelydanfan,

I have already seen how true your abnormal psych advice is and I believe techniques for handling those situations just comes in time and after experiences.

Imthatguy,

I have seen in previous posts that Sheehay's book is best but I can't afford that right now. Any other suggestions?

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