We’re going to share some insight into what a normal day in the A&E Nurse ward for all of you nurses looks like. We’ll also be sharing advice for newly qualified nurses, as well as how to get support if you\’re having problems. Learn why nurses choose to work for agencies and how to register with Mylocum if you want to work for one.
Some accident and emergency wards are at capacity and hospitals are much busier than ever. With all the increasing demand and pressure on nurses and other emergency professionals. We’d like to say thank you for your hard work, commitment and compassion during moments of need.
Mylocum has many opportunities in A & E Nurse and we would like to encourage both males and females to apply for their desired job.
Job opportunities check here: Job Section
What does an average day in an A&E Ward look like?
Every day is different, some days it can get a little crazy ranging from minor injuries to very serious conditions and having to think fast on our feet. Common emergencies can be heart attacks, or a road traffic accident or a simple fall someone might have had at home; you can never predict who’s going to come in. A lot of people come through A&E and it’s our job to make sure they are all seen as quickly as possible.
What are the biggest challenges you face?
As A&E Nurse, you must be able to meant breach time whilst giving quality care to patients, being able to achieve this is great but can also be very challenging. Sadly one of the challenges you sometimes have to deal with is verbal abuse from patients – which you never want to face with your patients.
A&E Nurse can be a stressful environment where emotions run high for patients and family members so it can be tough to manage at times. Let’s not forget how difficult it is for you as an A&E Nurse to go through this everyday.
Advices for newly qualified nurses
For new nurses, we think that the inductions at hospitals are very good and a great way to help you learn the ropes. Being an A&E Nurse is not easy; there is a lot of pressure so you need to make sure you have a good work- life balance. The job is really rewarding and you’ll soon thrive off of the busy environment.
For nurses’ thinking of agency work, go for it! It makes a nice change to normal rota and you get to pick and choose when you work to suit you. Joining an agency will make your work balance much more smoother and easier to organise. Working in different hospitals you get to build your experience, learn from others and become exposed to a lot of procedures. You should at least know where and when you need to be placed next week, so you can plan your personal life around your schedule.
Below are 10 top tips for newly qualified nurses working as an A&E Nurse.
This advice will help you get through the struggles you will be facing in the A&E ward.
- You’re going to be worried and scared. It will be your best ally and it will stop you from making mistakes.
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions. We all have areas of development, you are better to ask questions then get it wrong.
- Learn to relax when you’re not at work. You’re going to worry about everyone and everything when you first qualify – this will soon pass. Don’t you worry!
- The evidence is important but sometimes your gut is right. You spend 12 hours a day with your patient and sometimes you really do know best.
- If you’re not early, you’re late. Good time management is essential to good patient care.
- Write everything down or use a shift planner. You’ll forget 80% of what you hear so planning your day is important.
- When you’re behind, don’t rush. If you rush, you are much more likely to make a mistake.
- Don’t dwell on mistakes – learn from them. You’re going to make mistakes, in fact, it’s expected but when you don’t dwell, learn from them and move on.
- Learn how to say no to extra work and overtime. Nursing requires a good work life balance.
- Find a mentor quickly and ask for feedback. Your mentor may not be your preceptor and you’ll need someone to talk to and reflect with.
This is the A&E Nurse (Band 5 – 7) we currently have in London. There are more locations in Cambridge & Gloucester.
Seeking help
Nurses you can seek help if you’re struggling, it may seem like there is pressure on you to show your worth. However, this can become unsafe and if you are out of your depths escalate this to the nurse in charge.
Escalate as often as you need to. Although it may seem difficult to approach a nurse in charge who looks busy to talk to about your concerns. To even ask for help with the rest of your patients whilst you provide care to a very sick patient in an emergency.
If you believe you have been left in an unsafe situation, regarding staffing or workload. It is something you have a responsibility to yourself and your patients to address and let a senior staff know.
Why are more nurses choosing agency work?
It is not just the higher pay rates that attract healthcare professionals to join agencies. How does the idea of scheduling your own shifts according to your life sound? Do you fancy being in charge of your life and maintaining a proper work-life balance?
If the answer is Yes, then agency work is the right choice for you! Let’s dig deeper into the numerous benefits of becoming an agency nurse or doctor.
- Flexibility
- Pay Rate & Payment Options
- Diversity
Click here to read more about why nurses are choosing agency work.
How to register with Mylocum?
Below is a step by step process infographic guide to help you register with Mylocum.
If you need any help with the process click here to contact us and someone will get back to you → Contact Us
Overall, we’ve discussed what it’s like to work in an A&E department. In addition, we provided 10 key pieces of advice for freshly qualified nurses. We even talked into why so many nurses choose to work for an agency and how to sign up if you’re interested.
Can I become an A&E nurse and slowly become an A&E doctor in the UK?
Becoming an A&E doctor requires a significant amount of time and dedication, but it is a rewarding and challenging career. While being a registered nurse may provide some relevant experience, becoming a doctor requires a completely different set of skills and knowledge, and the process requires extensive education and training.
If you want to learn more about becoming an A&E Nurse or Doctor in the UK. More information can be found by clicking here.
Dear Nurses, we have a question for you. What was the most difficult aspect of your experience as an A&E Nurse? What advice would you give to any potential A&E nurses? – Comment below
You can go visit our website and you can go to the CV-Library to find more job opportunities for All Healthcare Workers.
