Advice You Should Hear at Least Once!

On being slow at first, asking questions, trusting your gut, changing preceptor, safety first, teamwork, and not getting cocky.

It's Okay to Be Slow at First, and It's Okay to Feel Overwhelmed

Becoming a great ER nurse takes time. There's so much to learn. In a single day, you might care for critically ill adults, pediatric patients, and even assist in an emergency delivery. Feeling overwhelmed and moving slowly at first is normal — there's a lot happening at once. What matters most is that you're learning something every day and taking steps toward becoming the nurse you're meant to be. Focus on improving your prioritization, grouping your care, performing skills safely and efficiently, and critical thinking. And yes, it's okay to cry. It happens. Just pick yourself back up and keep going. Don't let it discourage you.

No Question Is a Dumb Question

You're dealing with people's lives. If you're ever unsure about something, ask. Have a question about a medication? Call pharmacy. Need clarity on an order? Call the provider. Ask your preceptor, fellow nurses, or even other new grads. Keep asking until you understand. That's how you learn and grow. Trust Your Gut. Try to Figure It Out. Ask for Help. If something feels off, trust that feeling. Even if you can't immediately identify the problem, take it seriously. Do a thorough assessment. Check every line, machine, and connection. Try to reason through the situation — this builds your problem-solving skills and makes you more adaptable in a chaotic environment. Take something simple like a pulse ox that's not reading — figure it out. Is it the site? The sensor? The monitor? Apply that mindset to more critical situations. If your intubated patient starts desatting, what do you check first? Try to figure it out, but always ask for help when needed. Especially in life-threatening situations, don't hesitate. Then afterwards, reflect on what happened so that next time, you're even better prepared.

It's Okay to Ask for a Different Preceptor

Sometimes, personalities don't match — and that's okay. If the dynamic truly isn't working, advocate for yourself and ask for a new preceptor. It's your training. That said, don't confuse a tough preceptor with a bad one. ER preceptors often hold high standards because the environment demands it. They may push you, not because they don't care, but because they do. The ER is not forgiving, and your preceptor may be helping you build the resilience you'll need to succeed.

Safety Is Always #1

If you're unsure about how to do something, ask. If something doesn't feel right, ask. Verify allergies before giving meds, contrast, or even food. Know your meds — why you're giving them, how they work, and if they're safe for this patient. Double-check everything, especially with high-risk meds and procedures. No matter who's performing an intervention — even a provider — always be thinking: Is this safe for my patient? Speak up if something seems wrong.

Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

The ER is intense. It's chaotic, it's emotional, and at times, it's overwhelming. But you are never alone — you're part of a team. Support each other. Help out when someone's drowning. Lean on your coworkers during the hard shifts. This is how you make it through the tough days: with your team.

Don't Get Cocky

The ER will humble you. Overconfidence is dangerous — it leads to mistakes, and mistakes can harm or kill someone. Worse, a cocky attitude pushes people away. No one wants to teach someone who thinks they already know everything. Stay humble. Stay curious. That's how you grow — and how you earn the respect and trust of your team.

Advice You Should Hear at Least Once!