Jeanine --
Congrats on wanting to be an ER nurse. It is truly a fast-paced and exciting change from what you are used to. I have spent the last year in a rural ER outside Tampa, FL. We have no trauma center designation, however, we do have open heart facilities, and we have the only stroke center designation for 2 counties. So we do see our share of medical emergencies. Even there is no trauma center designation, we STILL have 'trauma codes' come in because the weather is so bad that they are unable to be flow to Tampa for care. Is the ER closer to your home any kind of specialty center? If so, you're going to need to go to all sorts of classes and get a bunch of certifications. Within 2 months of being hired here I had my PALS, ENPC, TNCC, ACLS, Triage First curriculum, and NIH Stroke certification. It was A LOT of education above and beyond nursing school.
I wouldn't trade it for the world!
Just a few of the downfalls to keep in mind..... unlike 'the unit' we simply can't say "No, we're not ready to take the patient now, give us 30 mins" Our patients come rolling through the doors and thats it - any open bed and they're in it!! Whether we are ready or not! Sometimes our nurseatient ratios are upwards of 1 nurse for 7 patients. It is completely unsafe and we are constantly fighting management about this.
It's nice having a doctor here for Q&A anytime I need something. Each department has their pros and cons... just because you're an ICU nurse doesn't mean you can't 'float' to the ER for some experience.. talk to your managers
Good Luck!
Lisa