I have worked in emergency departments for ~25 years, in clinical, not administrative roles.
I have worked as a nursing assistant, EMT, RN, and nurse practitioner.
It has been a rewarding career. But that is a pretty broad question. Is there something more specific you would like to know?
I worked on a general and vascular surgical floor for 3 years, then did a year and a half of emergency nursing before becoming a nurse practitioner. I spent a few years in family practice in remote, isolated communities, then taught for a few years, before going back to the emergency department where I have been for the last ~20 years as an NP.
I didn’t want to, actually. I wanted to be a paramedic, but when I was doing first response work in high school, a paramedic instructor, who was also a nurse, encouraged me to get my nursing first. He said that paramedicine was a good career, but it was a young person’s job, and I would not want to be carrying stretchers outside in inclement weather, etc. when I was older, and so would want a different career later in life. He suggested I do nursing first, as it is difficult to go back to school later in life (probably easier now with online programs than back then, with only night school or snail mail correspondence courses - things have changed a lot), and the broad education of nursing woulld help my paramedic studies as well. I took his advice, completed a Bachelor’s degree in nursing, realized that nursing had a wider vsriety of career options and paid significantly better, so stayed on that career path instead (though I did go back later to get my paramedic certification as well).
I am currently studying healthcare management,but I do want to go back to school for respiratory therapy or something medical.Thank you for sharing your experience
On the job, I tend to be too busy to worry about it. I just work through it and get through the day. Afterwards, when I get home, it sometimes takes its toll. I’ve seen a lot of people die over the years, from infants to the elderly, violently or peacefully, from illness and injury. I’ve treated victims of child abuse, domestic assault, sexual abuse, and violent crime. I’ve been yelled at, cursed, spit on, punched, kicked, groped, and threatened. (Most emergency department personnel have, of course...none of this is unique to me). But I’ve also seen great acts of compassion, touching moments, great love shown.
That is one thing that I have worried about,because I do not want to become stoic from seeing so much,but I do not want to get stressed out or burnt out from the job.
It is easy to get burnt out, especially if your professional role takes over the greater part of your identity. That is why I try not to take things home - at home, I am a father and a husband, etc., not an NP. In all times, I am a Christian, and that makes a difference for me.
I see what you mean.I appreciate the advice,I am trying to get a feel of what I may encounter working in healthcare.
Every area of health care has its stressful aspects, but I do believe that emergency has the potential to be one of the more stressful areas. It is high intensity and chaotic, with a lot of emotion and uncertainty. Some areas of healthcare are less stressful and more orderly.
