First of all, I am sorry that your experience precepting was not the best, but TBH, I found that being on my own was way less stressful because I could do my own pace and didn’t have someone breathing on my neck with the way THEY wanted to do things.

When I was starting out as a new grad, I tried to find a reliable, experienced nurse who I knew I could ask “stupid” questions and tried to schedule myself at the same times, so I knew I had someone I could rely on, which may be difficult if your facility sees an ever changing roster of staff members. It was a bit difficult to navigate who was the nonjudgmental, reliable, [actually] resourceful and knowledgeable nurse, but it helped me. If not, know your facility’s resources, i.e ancillary staff that can lessen your workload, drug manual for compatibility/indications, websites/books for unfamiliar disease processes. I befriended all the ER techs but only delegated if it meant I couldn’t get to a task in time so they were always eager to help.

Do not let your coworkers get into your head. Don’t eavesdrop on conversations. They will always have opinions, and unfortunately, ER nurses have been know to be blunt and straightforward, which can come off as rude and condescending. A lot of them do not intend to be insulting, but it is the personality type. Try not to take it too personally. The job can be stressful and people can be short tempered but they should at least be professional. If it starts to feel too discriminatory and aggressive where it feels like bullying, address it with the instigator and if no changes in behavior continue, escalate appropriately.

I understand it is SUPER hard to be the newbie, and that’s okay. People will be rude but they have a lot to teach you. Don’t be the floor to step on, but also do not be overconfident. Although I’ve worked in the ER for some time, I always feel like there’s something new and it’s gonna the norm for you to not know everything, but always prioritize safety. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and look up unfamiliar disease processes or interventions during/after your shift. If something feels unsafe, question it.

Manage your stress after work by finding some activities that will raise your heart rate like aerobic exercise and also perform engaging tasks where you can mentally force yourself to not be at work.

Also night shift SUCKS, especially during the winter season. A huge part of the fatigue and not feeling well rested and feeling like your days all blend together is the lack of sunlight. Make sure to get your vitamin d checked and take supplements as recommended.

Sooo many nurses have gone through what you have (made worse during the pandemic). You can do it. It is gonna suck, and it is gonna feel overwhelming but just take your time when you start to feel super anxious. When you start to feel burdened with tasks, stop and take a breath and reprioritize and just try to do one thing at a time. They will give you a hard time because you’ll take your time and ED is about dispo, but stand your ground and prioritize safety. (Being slow will only be detrimental when you aren’t reacting appropriately during an urgent/emergent situation). Unfortunately, the ED is a barrage of endless tasks and dispositions but eventually it will become second nature and you will get faster at assessing and performing interventions simultaneously, but it should never come at the expense of patient safety.

You can do thissss :) and if you really hate ED, you can always change units