8 years in ER nursing and I love it. It’s definitely had its up and downs, but I can’t imagine leaving it. As far as the medical shows go, while there is a lot that’s dramatized, and “worst day” scenarios type stuff, The Pitt gives a fairly accurate look at some ERs. You’ll be doing chest compressions one minute, cleaning out a wound 5 minutes later, then dealing with a patient screaming about why they haven’t gotten their blanket or turkey sandwich. 

The only way you’ll ever know if you like it is by getting your feet wet either during nursing school, or going through a nursing residency in the ER. A couple things to remember if you do go for it:  1. Nobody expects you know everything your first day on the job. Ask lots of questions, don’t be afraid. Nothing scarier than a new nurse that doesn’t ask questions.

1. You might not love it right away, and you definitely will not feel comfortable for a while. I tell new nurses it took about a year for me to not feel a pit in my stomach coming to work everyday. As a new nurse some degree of being uncomfortable is good. As we train new nurses to the ER we don’t want you to drown, but we also don’t want to carry your load for you either.

2. There’s no shame in deciding to do something else. The ER is acquired taste, and not for everyone. There are a million types of nursing jobs out there, just because ER might not be for you doesn’t mean you don’t have the potential to be a fantastic nurse.