it also helps to be a trauma junkie.. If you're not yet,don't worry, you will be one soon..Best of luck..Teresa

From a paramedic's side of the stretcher:  just because it comes in by ambulance doesn't mean it's critical.  *The EMS crews have seen the patient and may have gotten their life story while bouncing around in their little box.  I quite cheerfully told my patients that they'd be asked the same questions by the nurses, doctors, techs, and everybody they met at the hospital, but stories can change, so listen to all of them!  *If you're so inclined, see if you can go for a ride-along with a local squad, you'll learn to love all the space and extra hands you've got in the hospital (although don't question the medic in front of the patient or their family.  Never.  Ever.  That's a sure-fire way to quickly become disliked.  Hold your questions until after the call.).  *The EMS crews may have had one or more bad calls by the time you see them, so it's not you, they really are moody, don't take offense.  *If the medic pulls you aside and says "hey, about this guy/family..." they're trying to tell you that something's wrong and your resources to deal with it are better than theirs.  *They may gripe and groan, but will understand if you're in the middle of something super-urgent and can't take report, but asking if another nurse could will make their days, especially if they're busy.  *That little bitty tiny girl is expected to lift her fair share, but helping move patients from one stretcher to another is always nice. (And that little bitty tiny girl may have just been wrestling the patient until she could get a dose of Ativan or Versed into his flesh)  *And, biggest of all, if they say "he's got an 18 left forearm, flushes beautifully, couldn't've done better on a garden hose," wait until they're out of the room (and preferably the hospital) to pull it and place your own!

Good shoes, a decent pair of trauma shears, tape are all things that you'll be wanting to keep on you.  Multiple pens and extra paper, too.  Some Halls or cinnamon candy for those stinky patients, stickers for the kids.

Thanks everyone for the tips and advice.

I have emailed both the recruiter and nurse manager a thank you as well as snail mailed one to each of them.  They both asked me if I would be interested in their ER nurse residency program which I told them most definitely. They also asked if I would be available for orientation in a week. I know they have more interviews but I have my fingers and toes crossed.

Thanks again everyone for the advise I will keep everyone updated

Ciao

K

Just got a email they want me to come in and visit with the staff.

I'm so excited!! Still got my fingers crossed!

Met with the charge nurse and a couple other staff nurses. I think it went well, they told me I would be hearing from them very soon.

Way to go!  Good luck!

what about a general rn working as a perioperative nurse?

I am still waiting to hear but I am getting really excited!! I should know something by the end of the week as the manager was on vacation last week.

I did however get this in a email.

"we are favorably impressed and will contact you as soon as possible---realistically by the 9th with a final decision"

Thanks everyone for the advice and inspiration!!

 I am a new RN. Just passed boards, and got a job in a nurse residency program. After 6 weeks, we get to choose our top 3 departments, and interview with them. Well, all I have ever wanted was to be an ER nurse, its my dream. I know I would be great at it. However, there is almost 140 new RN's in the program. And over half of them want the ER. But I honestly believe I want it more than any of them!!!!  I want it soooo bad I can taste it!!! lol. So my question is, what are some tips that would help me get one of the very few open spots in the ER? Is there anything I could say or do during my interview that would land me the job? Any and all advice is more than appreciated!!!! Thanks!

Kristen

Well I got the call this morning!

I GOT THE JOB!!!! Thanks for all the wonderful advice and support!

K ER RN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Congrats and best wishes... You will love it..

you will love ACLS

I love the ER!! 

I have been there a week and I love it!!  Can't wait to go back next week!

there is nothing like the ER