Meet an ER Nurse

More than 130 million people visit the emergency room (ER) annually in the United States, seeking critical care or hospital admission. ER nurses play a vital role in this fast-paced environment, employing their nursing skills to address diverse patient needs. Whitney Riley, a dedicated ER nurse from Trihealth in Cincinnati, Ohio, shares her insights into the ER nursing profession, dispelling misconceptions and highlighting the qualities required to excel in this demanding field.

Interview Highlights

1. Discovering a Passion for Emergency Medicine: Whitney Riley recounts her defining moment as an ER nurse when she successfully revived a patient’s life, cementing her love for emergency medicine. The experience of making a difference in the presence of a fearful family solidified her commitment to this career path.
2. Impactful Patient Encounters: Riley shares a memorable patient experience during her time in a neuro step-down unit. She supported a claustrophobic COVID-19 patient during a procedure, providing comfort and reassurance by staying under the sterile drape with the patient. A year later, the same patient recognized her and expressed gratitude for her presence during that difficult time.
3. Unpredictable Moments in the ER: Reflecting on her journey as an ER nurse, Riley recalls a particularly unusual and somewhat alarming incident involving a patient who had a concealed handgun. Encountering unexpected situations like these is not uncommon in the ER, continually challenging nurses and broadening their perspectives.
4. Key Qualities of a Good ER Nurse: According to Riley, remaining calm is crucial for ER nurses. Patients and their loved ones often experience fear and uncertainty, relying on nurses to provide reassurance and competent care. While it is natural for nurses to feel overwhelmed, they must prioritize their patients’ well-being and offer support during challenging times.
5. Advice for Aspiring Nurses: If given the chance to speak to her younger self starting nursing school, Riley would emphasize the importance of perseverance. She would reassure herself that nursing may differ from her initial expectations but is ultimately a highly rewarding profession. Riley encourages new nurses to remain resilient, even when they doubt their impact, as their efforts are truly meaningful.
6. Debunking Hollywood Portrayals: Riley discusses the Hollywood depiction of ERs, which often exaggerates trauma cases and life-threatening situations. While ERs do handle critical cases, a significant portion of patients seeking emergency care have non-life-threatening conditions. Riley also emphasizes the collaborative relationship between nurses and physicians, debunking the misconception that nurses work under physicians’ authority.
7. Addressing New Nurse Support: Riley identifies the lack of support for new nurses as an area in need of improvement within the nursing profession. Reflecting on her own experience, she recalls feeling discouraged when faced with a mistake early in her career. She advocates for enhanced training and mentorship programs to help new nurses transition successfully, emphasizing that they are the future of nursing.

Conclusion

ER nursing is a dynamic and challenging field that requires critical thinking, adaptability, and strong communication skills. Whitney Riley’s experiences shed light on the realities of this profession, dispelling misconceptions and highlighting the rewarding nature of ER nursing. Aspiring ER nurses must be prepared for a diverse range of patient cases and the demands of a fast-paced environment. With dedication and the right support, ER nursing can be an immensely fulfilling career path.