Everything You Need To Know About Emergency Nursing

Nobody can understand the environment of an emergency room unless you work there. The TV shows we watch are not even half of it. Due to the pandemic, nurses from different departments have been urgently appointed to take care of the infected patients, so the demand for ER nurses is high. 

If you have been interested in having a career in healthcare, more specifically emergency nursing, think it through thoroughly because you will be taking on a lot of responsibility. Let’s look at what an emergency nurse is, their responsibilities, qualifications, and whether you find yourself working in such an environment. 

What Does An ER Nurse Do?

A nurse working in the ER treats people with serious injuries or illnesses who have been having medical difficulties in the past hours. They are tended to as soon as they arrive at the hospital. The key responsibilities of an ER nurse are to perform triage, that is to evaluate the degree of urgency and what should be the order of treatments, starting from the most urgent issues. Paramedics help in that by giving them the first diagnosis of the patient upon arriving at the ER. Nurses also document all the treatments and monitor how the patients are responding. Besides having clear communication with their team, nurses should be in good communication with the patient’s family or friends. It is important to have them understand the level of seriousness and how they can help. 

How To Become One?

As the name implies, you need to get a degree as a registered nurse. So, firstly, you should graduate either as a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or get an Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN). The former one lasts four years, while the latter one takes two years to finish. To be a registered nurse, after obtaining your degree, you ought to pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). With this license, you can start working as a nurse and try to get as much practice as possible. 

Also, you should continue learning as you work. Healthcare workers need to refresh their skills so they react properly in emergencies. Conveniently, you can obtain certification in ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) and many others to be a top-notch nurse. Work your way up to get to an ER where you will gain experience in this area. You will practice your skills and get the mentorship you need. Although it is not necessary, consider getting a certification in Emergency Nursing. You will gain more knowledge and it will get you advancement in your career. Many ER nurses take it to a higher level and become a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) or a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP).

What Qualities Should You Have?

The position speaks for itself. Emergency. If you believe you are mentally prepared for watching terrible injuries all day, it’s a good start. You need to know how to cope with scared patients but also how to be calm and collected and save your mental health. You have the strength to work under pressure and are adaptable to any situation and level of emergency. You can make decisions fast and easily and are alert at all times.

Pros And Cons Of Being An ER Nurse

Based on the qualities you need to have to become an ER nurse, you can assume this job has its advantages and disadvantages. It is not for everybody so consider both the good and the bad sides of this job.

Looking on the positive side, you will be saving lives. It is a selfless act and that would be your day-to-day job. You would be on the front line doing your best to save people and comfort them in very stressful situations. Also, this is a respected job. People confide in you and trust you with your decisions. Of course, that comes with experience. Knowing you are helping people is a fulfilling feeling.

However, working in an emergency room has its downsides. Unfortunately, you cannot always save every person. You will witness losing patients therefore you will be emotionally strained. This is most difficult at the beginning of your career when you are new and inexperienced, unaware of the environment.

The Takeaway

Enroll in a medical school first and then you will gradually get to know all the aspects of nursing in general as well as emergency. Working as an ER nurse takes time, constant learning, and practice. Get to know yourself first and see if you are fit for the job. If thinking quickly in fast-paced surroundings is for you, consider making the first step towards ER nursing.