How do you handle the pressures of working in the ER?

"Nursing staff need constant access to the tools and resources required to care for patients dealing with health emergencies and traumas. I focus on keeping the unit organized by ensuring our medical equipment is functioning properly, tagging equipment that needs maintenance and quickly alerting the proper staff to fix it. I ensure all rooms and med carts are stocked with supplies so that nursing staff does not have to take time away from care and treatment to look for things. I encourage my staff to take breaks when possible, especially meal breaks, and I'm not afraid to jump in and cover for someone to ensure they can do so."

"The emergency department can be hectic, so it's important to maintain effective communication throughout the shift and to be proactive versus reactive. I focus on my admin tasks and prepping for rush periods during slower periods. I check in with the nurses throughout the shift to see how they are doing; I fill in for them on their breaks, thank them for their work, and often acknowledge their contributions and the difference they are making in the lives of others. We also have a calming room for nurses to take a break if they need time to regroup and rest. It is a dark room, with soft music, drinks, and snacks that promotes stress relief before returning to the floor."

The ER is a fast paced and rapidly changing environment. I find that staying calm and keeping a cool head really help to handle the pressure of working in this type of environment. Teamwork is so important as well. I try to foster teamwork with my unit so that there is always someone to help when you feel like you're drowning. Prioritizing tasks and delegating tasks also is a great way to keep things moving and keep stress levels down.