Working in the ER

[mom2creative]

Hello everyone. This is my first post, but I am really trying to get some advice on something. I am a nursing student and am doing well in school. I really enjoy my clinicals and love taking care of my patients. I do not even mind giving them bed bath or changing dirty depends. I feel like I provide the best care that I possible can at this level of my nursing school career.

I recently took a job in the ER as a tech at a local hospital. I thought I would gain a lot of experience. I do not like it!!!! This really scares me because I have put so much time and money into school. I feel as if the nurses there think I am an idiot. I am new to medicine and there is a lot I do not know about medicine, but I am not an idiot. Maybe it is my confidence level because it is something new. I feel like in the ER I do not get to build a rapport with the staff or the patients. I am a warm, compassionate person who is all about relationships.

I often ask myself if it is nursing I am hating or if it is the ER. Maybe I am just not cut out to work in the ER or is it that I am too sensitive to be a nurse. I cry at the thought of having to go back into the ER. Please Help!!!!! All advice welcome.

Thanks

[RNPATL, DNP, RN]

Hello everyone. This is my first post, but I am really trying to get some advice on something. I am a nursing student and am doing well in school. I really enjoy my clinicals and love taking care of my patients. I do not even mind giving them bed bath or changing dirty depends. I feel like I provide the best care that I possible can at this level of my nursing school career.

I recently took a job in the ER as a tech at a local hospital. I thought I would gain a lot of experience. I do not like it!!!! This really scares me because I have put so much time and money into school. I feel as if the nurses there think I am an idiot. I am new to medicine and there is a lot I do not know about medicine, but I am not an idiot. Maybe it is my confidence level because it is something new. I feel like in the ER I do not get to build a rapport with the staff or the patients. I am a warm, compassionate person who is all about relationships.

I often ask myself if it is nursing I am hating or if it is the ER. Maybe I am just not cut out to work in the ER or is it that I am too sensitive to be a nurse. I cry at the thought of having to go back into the ER. Please Help!!!!! All advice welcome.

Thanks

If you are really that unhappy with the ER, then it is time to move on. The ER is a fast paced and hectic type of job ... you are either cut out for it or you are not. Nursing on the other hand, has many varied types of jobs that an RN can perform. If you find that med-surg is not your bag, the ER is not your bag, then perhsps home health is or perhaps long term care is ..... again, there are many options open to an RN.

I hope that you are patient with yourself and that you explore your options before you decide that you have made a mistake investing in your education. I have been a nurse for 20+ years and have NEVER regretted my decision to join this profession.

Best of luck to you.