Should I Be an Emergency Room Nurse?
In virtually any hospital setting, an emergency room represents a vital nerve center of medical treatment and activity.
If you watch any popular medical program on television, from reruns of "E.R." and "Chicago Hope" to current episodes of "Grey's Anatomy," you will see that a hospital emergency room is also a setting for drama and excitement. These programs present scenes that contain a high element of suspense and even adventure, as traditionally glamorous doctors and nurses rush to save patients' lives; all the while wearing somber, heroic expressions and never messing up their hair!
After seeing these compelling images, some people may feel motivated to explore a career as an E.R. nurse; someone who supports both doctors and patients in a thrilling, fast-paced setting.
And with good reason. By working as an emergency room nurse, you will make a true difference; not only in the lives of patients, but in the overall operation of the hospital itself. You will be dealing with people who are facing literal life and death situations, in some cases saving their lives on the spot; and in all instances determining a course of treatment that will resolve their problems and issues. Should the patient be treated and sent home, or should they be admitted for a longer stay? Should they be rushed into surgery, or will a good dose of medicine do the trick? It is the duty of emergency room staff to make these vital decisions; and to do so quickly, efficiently and—most important—correctly.
And this is precisely the reason why not everyone is cut out for a career as an emergency room nurse. Many people can't handle the day-to-day stress inherent within an emergency room; a place where patients may be bleeding, crying, and facing any number of life-changing illnesses. You need a strong stomach and a sturdy heart to enter this line of work, not to mention fast feet; you'll have to move quickly to treat emergency room patients, and will face long shifts filled with frequent and frantic physical activity.
Furthermore, unlike the emergency room nurses seen on TV, you can't simply step into the role of an E.R. professional after a quick scene reading and an hour in the makeup chair. The typical E.R. nurse has earned an RN certification and completed at least a year of on-the-job experience; dealing with doctors and patients in a fast-paced, breakneck setting.
If, however, you enjoy an active workplace and thrive under stress, then a job as an emergency room nurse may be ideal for you; particularly when one considers the fact that, as per national average, an e.r. nurse can earn more than $75,000 annually.
Emergency room nurses are among the most trusted and needed professionals in the health care field. If you truly want to make a difference in the lives of both doctors and patients, check out a career in emergency room nursing today!
