Why wasn't I placed in the ED?

Specialties Emergency

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HermioneG, BSN, RN

1 Article; 168 Posts

Specializes in Emergency Nursing.

At first I, too, thought that the OP was acting kind of full of themselves. But then after continuing to read I don't think so anymore. I can see how if they worked hard to get really good grades and are clearly passionate about working in ER they could be hurt, especially if not all the spots were filled. Or were filled by students that didn't seem to be as serious or passionate about it. Yes, comparing yourself to others is never a good idea, but I think that the OP was just being honest and candid about their feelings and has since clarified that they didn't intend to put anyone down. I think that them comparing themselves to the other students was intended to show that academically they were a competitive candidate and were wondering what the decision ultimately came down to. And like someone else mentioned, who knows, it could've come down to just the luck of the draw or from someone plugging in people to fill spots. Who knows.

Also, the OP clearly says that they're grateful and honored for the CVICU placement, and that they are just simply trying to figure out why they didn't get that spot. I believe it's a completely legitimate question, particularly if the OP wants to work in ER later on, and especially if the OP wants to work in that particular ER. They want to figure out what may have kept them from standing out now, so they can improve for when they possibly apply for a job later on. I don't read entitlement here, just someone that wants to identify weak spots or problem areas that may have kept them from getting the placement. Makes sense to me. Entitlement would've been making an appointment with the Dean or program coordinator and saying that they deserve one of the spots, and therefore special accommodations should be made for them... or something like that. But that's not what the OP is doing.

OP, it seems like you made a great impression on the CVICU, good job! You seem to have a go-getter attitude, and I'm sure that will serve you well. I just finished my practicum in a level 1 trauma ER, and in that short time I had quite a few ventilated patients, as well as many difficult patients that were transferred to CVICU. I think that experience with these complex patients can be an asset to any prospective ER nurse! If you take this opportunity and make the most of it (which I'm sure you will) you will either be an even greater candidate for ER, or hopefully have a chance at a great ICU job when you're done. Either way, if you want ER, you can take this ICU experience and spin it to your advantage as a candidate. You seem like a nice and genuine person, and I wish you luck as you keep pursuing your goals!

shan_elle

45 Posts

At first I, too, thought that the OP was acting kind of full of themselves. But then after continuing to read I don't think so anymore. I can see how if they worked hard to get really good grades and are clearly passionate about working in ER they could be hurt, especially if not all the spots were filled. Or were filled by students that didn't seem to be as serious or passionate about it. Yes, comparing yourself to others is never a good idea, but I think that the OP was just being honest and candid about their feelings and has since clarified that they didn't intend to put anyone down. I think that them comparing themselves to the other students was intended to show that academically they were a competitive candidate and were wondering what the decision ultimately came down to. And like someone else mentioned, who knows, it could've come down to just the luck of the draw or from someone plugging in people to fill spots. Who knows.

Also, the OP clearly says that they're grateful and honored for the CVICU placement, and that they are just simply trying to figure out why they didn't get that spot. I believe it's a completely legitimate question, particularly if the OP wants to work in ER later on, and especially if the OP wants to work in that particular ER. They want to figure out what may have kept them from standing out now, so they can improve for when they possibly apply for a job later on. I don't read entitlement here, just someone that wants to identify weak spots or problem areas that may have kept them from getting the placement. Makes sense to me. Entitlement would've been making an appointment with the Dean or program coordinator and saying that they deserve one of the spots, and therefore special accommodations should be made for them... or something like that. But that's not what the OP is doing.

OP, it seems like you made a great impression on the CVICU, good job! You seem to have a go-getter attitude, and I'm sure that will serve you well. I just finished my practicum in a level 1 trauma ER, and in that short time I had quite a few ventilated patients, as well as many difficult patients that were transferred to CVICU. I think that experience with these complex patients can be an asset to any prospective ER nurse! If you take this opportunity and make the most of it (which I'm sure you will) you will either be an even greater candidate for ER, or hopefully have a chance at a great ICU job when you're done. Either way, if you want ER, you can take this ICU experience and spin it to your advantage as a candidate. You seem like a nice and genuine person, and I wish you luck as you keep pursuing your goals!

Yes! Thank you for articulating so well exactly how I felt and what I was trying to accomplish by posting here. Congrats on finishing your practicum!! Do you think you will stick with the ER, or move onto something else? Thank you for the kind words and encouragement! :)

HermioneG, BSN, RN

1 Article; 168 Posts

Specializes in Emergency Nursing.
Yes! Thank you for articulating so well exactly how I felt and what I was trying to accomplish by posting here. Congrats on finishing your practicum!! Do you think you will stick with the ER, or move onto something else? Thank you for the kind words and encouragement! :)

Absolutely!:)

And my experience completely solidified my desire to work in ER, especially that ER in that particular hospital. The teamwork and energy of the department was so inspiring, and I hope to be a part of it for many years to come. In fact, I love it there so much that every night before a shift I would be so excited to go in and work with the team, that I would have a hard time falling asleep! Part of my excitement was that it was the first time in nursing school that I really genuinely felt like I had found my people. It's not that I wouldn't be happy anywhere else, because I could be, but something about the place is just really special to me. I don't know, it's hard to explain. Hopefully I can be a part of their new grad program... But hey, even if it doesn't work out as a new grad, I will never stop reassessing and making myself a better candidate! We will see *fingers crossed*

And I have some friends who did their practicum on CVICU, and they had so much fun! I bet you will too.

Good luck with everything, and feel free to contact me if you ever need a cheerleader or anything. You seem like a really nice person. Have a great quarter!

-HermioneG

cschylerrn

14 Posts

Shan_Elle not trying to be ugly, but quit being a crybaby, learn crucial skills that your instructors placed you with. Graduate, pass your nclex, find a job and hopefully you get placed in an ED.

If not, get another job. And one thing to consider is most jobs don't give a crap about your grades. They want to see that you have teamwork which right now sounds a bit off, can you do your job, turn patients and get good customer service rating for thexample hospital.

FYI, talking bad about someone in the ED is not going to get you any help when your drowning with orders.

cschylerrn

14 Posts

Yes. "GOLF CLAP".

Specializes in Medical/Surgical/Telemetry RN.

Word of advice. You seriously need to not limit yourself to a single specialty of nursing. Nurses have to be skilled at many things in multiple specialized fields. Don't expect to be at the top spot because you are taking chances that way. You are lucky as hell to be in an ICU position. Be proud and work your ass off because the patients life depends on it. All the best with your future. You still have plenty to learn!

shan_elle

45 Posts

Absolutely!:)

And my experience completely solidified my desire to work in ER, especially that ER in that particular hospital. The teamwork and energy of the department was so inspiring, and I hope to be a part of it for many years to come. In fact, I love it there so much that every night before a shift I would be so excited to go in and work with the team, that I would have a hard time falling asleep! Part of my excitement was that it was the first time in nursing school that I really genuinely felt like I had found my people. It's not that I wouldn't be happy anywhere else, because I could be, but something about the place is just really special to me. I don't know, it's hard to explain. Hopefully I can be a part of their new grad program... But hey, even if it doesn't work out as a new grad, I will never stop reassessing and making myself a better candidate! We will see *fingers crossed*

And I have some friends who did their practicum on CVICU, and they had so much fun! I bet you will too.

Good luck with everything, and feel free to contact me if you ever need a cheerleader or anything. You seem like a really nice person. Have a great quarter!

-HermioneG

Thank you, that's nice of you to offer! I hope you get into the new grad program. I'm sure it helps that they already know you. Good luck!

foggnm

219 Posts

God grant me the serenity

to accept the things I cannot change;

courage to change the things I can;

and wisdom to know the difference.

You will learn more in your ICU rotation than you will in the ER. I can tell you this as someone that worked ICU, had my CCRN and also worked in the ED. That being said, you're taking this a bit too seriously. What you do in nursing school doesn't determine your future. Believe me, plenty of ED jobs await you and you'll have plenty of time to get experience and work in that area. Focus on finishing school, passing the nclex, and getting the job you want. Don't worry about what seems unfair in nursing school.

Thank you for the feedback Pixie RN. I will definitely remember your advice as I continue through this process! My intent was not to make myself look better or put the other student down. I think my qualifications speak for themselves and there is nothing wrong with being a C student or struggling as you learn. I offered the information about the other student in hopes of gaining some better insight on why or how a decision like this is made. I don't understand why the school of nursing would set forth certain requirements and expectations for ED placements, but then not follow them. I suppose I will have a better idea after talking to the faculty who does placements, but was curious what others thought or have experienced.

On one hand, no, it doesn't really matter in the long run. I'm sure I will gain invaluable experience wherever I end up and will definitely go into it with an open mind ready to give it my all. On the other hand, it matters a lot!! I'm paying a lot of money for my education! I should be able to learn and practice in an area of nursing that I enjoy and am passionate about. It's also a great job opportunity. I've seen many nursing students get a job on the unit where they did their practicum and I've known units to even hold positions for people if there are none available immediately after graduation. In addition, I know that the ICU is not particularly thrilled to spend so much time and effort training students when they don't plan on staying in the ICU after graduation (which I don't). Ultimately what it comes down to is that I feel like my school is placing me based on the hospital's needs and where THEY want me. After working my butt off in the program I just think they should at least give me the consideration and respect to let me choose which critical care placement I want. Why not let me do what I love!?

Ask the powers that be. Maybe someone made a mistake.

I didn't read your post well and somehow thought you were talking about your first RN job when evidently you were talking about your capstone. Sorry about that, I don't guess I gave you the most solid advice there LOL

You might be able to pick up shifts as a CNA in the ED you hope to work in when you graduate. We hire a ton of new grads in my ICU that way because they did well as a tech.

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Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN

6 Articles; 11,662 Posts

Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.
On the other hand, it matters a lot!! I'm paying a lot of money for my education! I should be able to learn and practice in an area of nursing that I enjoy and am passionate about.

No, just no. You are paying tuition for an education to prepare you to practice as a novice nurse. You will still receive that education regardless of what unit you are placed on. Just because you enjoy and are passionate about a specialty doesn't mean that's what you'll get. That's what finding a job is for, not school.

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