Happy Emergency Room Nurses Week!

During Emergency Room Nurses Week, it’s important to recognize that Emergency Room Nursing is different from other areas of the hospital.

For 25 years I never wanted to do anything else and Emergency Medicine continues to intrigue me to this day. There wasn’t a day that went by that I didn’t say “now that’s something you don’t see every day”. Being a true ED Nurse comes with much more than the adrenaline rush. ED Nurses do not know one thing very well—they know the signs and symptoms of just about every medical problem that exists (and often some that do not). ED Nurses are multi-taskers, quick thinkers, care coordinators, physician interpreters, and patient advocates. They are calm under pressure and have the ability to prioritize and stabilize in an environment where organized chaos is the norm.

The Emergency Room is the front door to the hospital, and can never be closed. Not knowing what is about to come through that door is what makes Emergency Room Nurses resourceful and able to handle the unexpected. No matter how many people come in for treatment you always make it happen by the end of the shift.

In order to be an Emergency Room Nurse, you must think differently, focus on assessments, and thrive in a world of the unexpected. Appreciate and celebrate the uniqueness of the Emergency Room Nurse Role, especially this week.

The Emergency Room is a fast-paced, dynamic place where teamwork is at its highest level and change is inevitable. The spectrum of emotions that nurses experience in a day is often unsurpassed. It takes a strong, compassionate person to take on the world’s emergencies—who knew you could handle that? You did! This is why you are an ED Nurse. Celebrate, be proud and continue to make a difference in the lives of your patients.

HAPPY EMERGENCY ROOM NURSES WEEK!

Written by Gifted Director of Clinical Workforce Solutions - Tania Loumiet, RN