Why do you like Emergency Department Nursing?

Published

Specializes in Neuroscience, ED.

I start my job later this month. After an orientation and residency I will be permanentaly placed in the ED. What do you emergency services nurses like best about your jobs? (esp. compared to other forms of nursing)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Trauma/ED.

The quick turn around, going into a situation with no info and figuring out what the problem is, being prepared for anything that walks into the door, and the "family" of staff we have.

Things I don't like: child codes/trauma, major burn injuries, and drug seekers.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ED staff.

I guess I am a chaos junky. I love the variety and we have more independence than most nursing units. We work with one group of doctors who we come to trust and they come to trust us. We even get a thank you now and again from the docs :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ED, ICU, PACU.

I like the autonomy-being able to decide what to do for a patient without having to get MD approval first (of course, following standing orders/protocols :saint:) & having a doc around all the time, if needed. I don't think there is any other department that relies as heavily on nurse-doctor collaboration as in the ED.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU, ER.

The quick turn around, going into a situation with no info and figuring out what the problem is, being prepared for anything that walks into the door, and the "family" of staff we have

Ditto!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER, TRAUMA, MED-SURG.

Hey - I have to agree with the other posters. I worked on a busy med surg unit when I finished nursing school. I took a position in the ER when it came open. I am glad for the experience I got working on the med surg and I know it did help once I got into the ER.

It takes a special person to work in the ER and not go "nuts". The things an ER nurse has to see on an almost daily basis can take it's toll on you, so you learn to deal with it to not burn out.

I love the ER and would not want to go back to the floor. It's not just the "get them in, get them out" mentality, but you have so much autonomy in the ER, of course with hospital policies, protocols an all that in mind. The ER docs I have worked with have been great. I enjoy seeing a patient with chest pain and get them worked up and upstairs. The other nurses I have worked with never minded pulling together, especially in a small rural hospital. There, you didn't have a code team, all the nurses WERE the code team.

Anne, RNC :paw::paw::paw::saint:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER.
I start my job later this month. After an orientation and residency I will be permanentaly placed in the ED. What do you emergency services nurses like best about your jobs? (esp. compared to other forms of nursing)

It's fast-paced, you never have a patient for too long (other than the admitted holds, of course), there are a variety of patients with various illnesses, and you just don't get bored. It's constantly an environment of learning filled with great and awful moments. You feel like you are really making a difference for the sickest of the sick and you realize how powerless you are sometimes in life, but then how significant a small act can have on a person, a family, a friend..... That's just my take.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Neuroscience, ED.

Thank you all for your responses!

:-)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Adult and Pediatric Vascular Access, Paramedic.

I like the fact that you never know what is going to com through the door.

I also like having patients of all different ages and acuity levels

I also like the fact I have already delivered two babies.....

Sweetooth

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency; Corrections.

The variety, the pace, the challenge. Working with other nurses and staff who are focused on doing the best they can with what they have. Unlike many other nursing specialties, the're aren't set ratios. One day you might be trying to manage 12 patients and 2 hours later a 1:1 vent patient. Closest thing to being an old Ranger platoon medic. :yeah:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med Surg/Tele/ER.

I agree with all the others...I like to get them in & get them out!

I like trying to stay ahead & I love to learn. I like trauma (don't want anyone to get hurt, but if they do)......I like it because no 2 days are the same....ya just never know what is going to happen.

I hate CP & drug seekers!....& being scared most of the time.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER.
I agree with all the others...I like to get them in & get them out!

I like trying to stay ahead & I love to learn. I like trauma (don't want anyone to get hurt, but if they do)......I like it because no 2 days are the same....ya just never know what is going to happen.

I hate CP & drug seekers!....& being scared most of the time.

I think having a healthy dose of fear and being a bit scared is rather helpful - to me. With that, I'm checking myself and actually keep an eye on others (nurses) if I can (an eye out if they need an extra hand). It's what keeps me learning and practicing, preparing for what is unexpected. Fear is a great motivator!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion