I need some advice as a almost new grad going into my first job in the ED this summer. How do you feel about new grads working in the ED? What do you think is the most important thing you learned as an ED nurse?
New graduate nurses in the ED have a steep learning curve as it is not like any other specialty area. Not only do you need to gain clinical/bedside knowledge and skills in multiple specialties, you will need to be able to perform at a rapid pace. Depending on the size and capabilities of your ED, you should have AT LEAST a 4 to 6-month orientation with a certain number of hours & clinical experiences. The ENA has a program that is very helpful in making sure you cover the numerous aspects of patient care in the ED. New grads I have oriented in the ED in the past have said that program was beneficial. The most important thing I learned as an ED nurse is that you are a member of a team (this includes your ED, supporting facility, and community) - no one can do it alone. The best patient outcomes result from good performing teams.
I’m not a huge fan of new grads in the ER, but it definitely depends on the new grad and on the ER. I have seen some do very well, and seen some not do well, in the same ER. In my opinion one of the most important things to remember as a new nurse, especially in the ER, is to never be afraid to ask questions. Even if you think it’s a dumb question, it’s always better to ask than it is to make a huge mistake because you didn’t ask. And learning how to prioritize care is another huge thing for new grads in the ER. Best of luck to you!
I started as a new grad nurse in the ED 8 years ago. We had 3 months of orientation (which I don’t think is enough). I agree with the above post that there is a large learning curve because the skills you learn in nursing school don’t prepare you for the real environment. And most schools don’t have an ED clinical. I will say I loved every bit of it. It’s important to WANT to learn and take initiative to do that during your orientation. Don’t be afraid to ask to witness a procedure or something being done with a patient who isn’t yours. You want to be able to see as much as you can while you have someone there to explain it to you.
One of the most important things is to SPEAK UP. Speak up when you don’t know how to do something. Speak up when you don’t know why you’re doing something. Learning the why is just as important. Because as an ED nurse you have to really use your assessment and critical thinking skills. Speak up to the Dr. when there’s a change in condition for your patient, or when you want to point out something the patient may have said or done that the doc may need to know. Speak up if there’s an order placed that you don’t understand (until you're confident in your knowledge run it by a fellow nurse). A lot of times new nurses do whatever they see orders to stay on pace but remember it’s our job to catch any errors before Implementing it on the patient.
It’s a challenge but it’s possible and it’s worth it if it’s your passion.
I was an ED new grad and it was the best decision I EVER made. ALWAYS ask why. Trust your gut. Ask more questions when you think you’ve asked enough because you probably haven’t 😂 soak it all in! I learned SO MUCH.
I have been in the medical field for over 17 years. I have worked as a Cardiovascular Tech, coroner tech, EMT in both ER and EMS, and now as RN in ER. I feel that a new grad has the potential to accelerate in the ED; however, I don’t feel that there’s enough training in school to prepare a new grad for what may occur, nor the ability to critically think quickly. These come with time and experience. I do feel that if the new grad comes from a background such as EMS or tech positions with extensive and previous exposure, then it might be something that can be safe for both the nurse and the patients/clients that need the help. I understand that there are weeks of training in some hospitals, but even floor nurses with more understanding of disease processes and medications aren’t prepared for the immediate need of some.
Depends on the facility. Podunky ER’s are not a good place to start. A teaching facility would be best.
