[cougarnurse]

Rob, I'd taken a Phlebotomy course well before I'd gone on for my RN. The instructor had said he and his ex (who is a nurse) had both agreed early on: Just because you can start an IV, you can't necessarily draw blood. If you can draw blood, you'd have a better chance of starting an IV.

Like others have said.....practice! You are still learning (but aren't we all?) I know you can do it!

'Cat'

[No Prob Rob]

Second week in the ER and I am just beginning to find my way around and get to know where stuff is. I did manage to start an IV on my own today. We are always very busy and I am glad there is an internship where I can learn most of what I need to know in the first 12 weeks.

The ER is a truly crazy place with a lot of dynamics between patients, nurses, and doctors. You get to see all kinds of people from every walk of life.

I know it's a ways off yet but is there any advantage to being a certified emergency nurse? I think that is the next step for me after I have gained about a years experience.

[SoldierNurse]

Originally Posted by No Prob Rob

Second week in the ER and I am just beginning to find my way around and get to know where stuff is. I did manage to start an IV on my own today. We are always very busy and I am glad there is an internship where I can learn most of what I need to know in the first 12 weeks.

The ER is a truly crazy place with a lot of dynamics between patients, nurses, and doctors. You get to see all kinds of people from every walk of life.

I know it's a ways off yet but is there any advantage to being a certified emergency nurse? I think that is the next step for me after I have gained about a years experience.

Yes, it would be good to have your CEN; possibly more pay, and a little more recognition. A few weeks ago I took my CCRN. It was a tough exam & heard the CEN is along the same lines.

[No Prob Rob]

Originally Posted by MagRedC5

Yes, it would be good to have your CEN; possibly more pay, and a little more recognition. A few weeks ago I took my CCRN. It was a tough exam & heard the CEN is along the same lines.

So how do you think you did on the test? What materials did you use to study?

[katyv]

Take the test now. The longer you wait, the harder it will be.

[SoldierNurse]

Originally Posted by No Prob Rob

So how do you think you did on the test? What materials did you use to study?

LOL, I'd rather taken the exam under different circumstances. My travel to the testing center consisted of Blackhawk helicopter, a bus, and C-130 military aircraft. I used 6 DVD set put out by Laura Von ...

I sure hope I passed, since the Army would give me an $80,000 re-comittment bonus [4 yrs]. I left the testing center befuddled. It was not what I expected. I don't want to jinx myself in declaring I passed, or failed for that matter. I will let ya'll know once I get the results.

[No Prob Rob]

It has been three weeks since I started as an RN in the ER. The biggest hurdle has been to learn the paperwork and of course starting IV's. (Although I am getting a little better on IV's).

One of the surprises has been how well everyone works together and helps one another. I had heard horror stories about crusty old nurses who chew up and spit out newly graduated nurses. Nothing could be further from that misconception. When things really get hectic its not as laid back but if you get in a pinch there is always someone willing to help out.

Today was especially good when a little old lady wanted to adopt me. She had fallen and required some 30 stitches to her leg. She was having a tough time and I made an effort to comfort her. I can't believe they pay me to do this. If I didn't have bills to pay I would do this for free.

[Ricu]

Hey Rob,

I'm glad to hear that things are coming together so well for you. It sure sounds like you're in your element there in the ED. I wish you continued success.

R