ER Nurses Blog

What kind of special training is offered in your workplace to help identify and treat victims of crime. For example, any special training to help individuals who have been victims of a sexual assault? Perhaps victims of human trafficking? Share your opportunities and tips.

We might all have horror stories about that one employee or colleague who just shouldn't be in their job. Maybe it's the cranky old hag who's just sticking it out for another year before retirement. Maybe it's someone you just can't get along with no matter how hard you try. You dont have to get along with everyone , but in nursing you have to in the least get away with cooperation. That's of course harder when you're dealing with ice-cold personalities. How do you deal with misfits in the workplace? Do you have a terrible co-worker? How many have in fact reported bad care observed in a co-worker? How do you confront bad nurses? Post some thoughts here to help others. Let's just say the passive aggressive approach may be the one we all choose, but it may not be the most effective :P.

The first time you have to put your first IV in your first real  arm, the first of many experiences, all resonate loudly in our memories. Some are cherished moments, others frightful, but in the end most memorable. Back when you were a nursing student there was a certain level of wide-eyed and bushy-tailed focus. After all, this was your moment to test your skills, to experience first hand how your career and training could help others. For others who don't want to be treated by nursing students, or heck, even residents, take a minute to be thankful you're being helped by someone who is more interested in the job they have to do rather than the responsibilities behind them, the full waiting room they need to attend to, someone devoid of the cynicism that so often renders moments of cloudy service.

Earlier it didn't look great, but then we knew the big college votes were yet to come. Then it looked better, then it was a nail bitter till the end with a slight marginal victory. The days after it was apparent the race wasn't as close as some may have thought. Obama takes popular vote (although we still remain a fragmented USA), takes presidency, and essentially propels the Republicans back to the drawing board since their 'data' pitted them in contention (there's work to be done.) So what does it mean for nurses? Obama Care is a sure thing now and that has its pros and cons. More nurses will be hired in all sorts of different areas. ERs will start to fill up too as more people look for care, and hospitals will take the brunt of that increase since they have the greater margins and can turn a profit vs. smaller health care outlets that would have to go around cherry picking patients. More nurses but not necessarily better healthcare, however, more accessible h...

*Guest Thought* There is obvious chaos that is routine in any ER, even at night on a Sunday. One thing I can do, tongue in cheek, is recommend, if you want to off yourself, don't use a nail gun. I've seen it twice now. People trying to, unfortunately, end their lives by using a nail gun to the head. Maybe it's actually a cry for help because people have a suspicion a nail gun doesn't have the umph to finish the job. What you'll be left with is a 2-3 inch nail sticking out of your skull, some blood, and you blinking away in disbelief. Oh yea, PS, it will hurt when we use a pair of pliers to pull out the nail. I've been tempted to pry out using a hammer, but you know, win some and lose some.

How do you debrief from all the crazy stuff you see everyday at work? Do you just keep it bottled up inside? Have you been in the game so long that you've been desensitized? Do you have a support group? Hang out with other nurses? Head straight to the bar? Chat with a spouse? Or just unload unpredictably to someone you love? Finding ways to deal with the things that are seen in the ER, and anywhere in healthcare, is important to simply remain sane. It also helps maintain a less stressful job. What are some of your tactics? Does your workplace offer any solutions?

There aren't many of them, but if any lowly volunteer meanders through the ER, or happens to play a small role in its function, how are they treated? ALthough this is a blog for ER nurses themselves, sometimes it's worth pursuing questions about our own attitudes and treatment of other workers in the unit. After all, we're supposed to be in pursuit of offering emergency healthcare, and anyone who contributes to that process is on the same team. Any experiences or things you've seen in the workplace? Suggestions or comments on the use of volunteers in the ER?