If you’re already working as an emergency department nurse, you’ll understand the satisfaction that comes from helping people when they’re at their most vulnerable.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the ways you can develop your emergency nurse skills. Whether you want to aim for leadership positions or you’re simply keen to keep learning, these tips will give you additional confidence as an emergency nurse.
Expand your knowledge by studying a Graduate Certificate in Health (Emergency Nursing)
One of the best ways to extend your emergency room nurse skills is to complete a Graduate Certificate in Health (Emergency Nursing). In Australia, around a quarter of emergency nurses have a postgraduate qualification, demonstrating that advanced learning is very beneficial to those who work in this field.
Federation University Online’s Graduate Certificate in Health (Emergency Nursing) will build upon your analytical, leadership, and communication skills. It’s perfect for anyone who wants to take their ED nurse skills to the next level, making you an ideal candidate for leadership roles.
Designed specifically for nurses who work in emergency room settings, this course will also:
- develop your ability to manage and prioritise patients
- deliver core concepts relating to acute illness, disease, and trauma
- build core knowledge that’s tailored to emergency nursing
- extend your existing knowledge of the major body systems
- help you to be recognised as an expert at managing patients who require specialist treatment in an emergency care setting
- boost your confidence and employability.
To learn more about Federation University Online’s suite of postgraduate nursing courses, get in touch with one of our Course Consultants to discuss your study options.
Get to know your team
Getting to know your coworkers is one of the best ways to broaden your nursing skills in an emergency department. The following advice about developing ED nurse skills came from an Online Learning Advisor in our nursing faculty:
“The people around you are one of the most valuable resources. Everyone comes to the floor with knowledge and experience you can tap into.”
If you’re keen to deepen your understanding of emergency nursing, you could arrange a time (when you’re not on shift) to meet and talk to one of your colleagues. This could be someone in a more senior role, who might be able to provide you with career guidance. It could also be a fellow nurse, especially if they’ve been working in an emergency department for a number of years.
Taking the time to get to know the people you work with helps to create a stronger team. You’ll benefit from hearing about their experiences, and you’ll also develop bonds that will make the job even more meaningful.
Become familiar with the equipment
Familiarising yourself with the equipment in your workplace is another way you can advance your emergency nurse skills. We asked one of our Online Learning Advisors for tips on how nurses can improve their ED knowledge, and she provided the following advice:
“Volunteering to check the crash trolley is a great way to get to know its contents. That way, when you need to access it and your adrenaline is pumping, you’re already familiar. This is also important for equipment you might not use very regularly – like transport equipment, rapid infusers and warmers.”
As you’re undoubtedly aware, every second is vital in an emergency. The more familiar you are with your equipment, the faster you’ll be able to provide life-saving care to someone with serious injuries. When you start every shift, check where the emergency equipment is located, and make sure everything is in its right place so it can be used when needed.
Build your knowledge base one condition at a time
Every time you work a shift in an emergency department, there will be opportunities to expand your knowledge. When asked for advice about how to build ED nurse clinical skills, one of our senior Online Learning Advisors provided this tip:
“After each shift, look up one condition and one associated medication you used. It’s a great way to slowly build up your knowledge base without overwhelming yourself.”
Consider taking notes at the end of each shift, to remind yourself of what you’ve learnt. Whenever you have some spare time review these notes to refresh your memory.
Some great mobile apps for nurses can help to keep your skills sharp. These include ECG Challenge which is an interactive educational tool for nurses, and Full Code – Emergency Medicine which provides over 170+ virtual cases in a game-like interface.
Participate in simulations
Simulations allow you to practise your skills and develop your critical thinking. Practice makes perfect, and by participating in simulations, you can gain a better understanding of specific techniques and strategies.
By regularly engaging in simulations, you will:
- get to respond to real-life emergency scenarios so you can advance your knowledge
- improve your confidence in high-pressure situations
- reduce the chance of making mistakes
- increase the chances of better outcomes for your patients.
As one of our Online Learning Advisors points out, simulations make it possible to continue learning and building upon your skills:
“If you get the chance to participate in a simulation, take it! It’s a great opportunity to go beyond your comfort zone in a safe environment.”
Additionally, if you are hoping to apply for more senior roles further down the track in your career, participation in simulations will demonstrate that you’re committed to ongoing learning and professional growth. It will add to your emergency department nurse skills for your resume, and improve your potential for career growth.
Listen to podcasts
Nursing podcasts can help to keep you informed about recent developments in the healthcare industry. Podcasts make it easy to hear about what’s happening in emergency departments around Australia and the world while providing opportunities to keep your emergency nurse skills up-to-date.
Our nursing tutors at Federation University Online recommend the following podcasts:
- ED JAM: A podcast about emergency medicine, aimed at anyone working in an emergency department.
- ECTOPICS: Aussie nurse educator Rob Timmings provides weekly interviews to stimulate, inspire, and educate.
- This Emergency Life: Associated with The College of Emergency Nursing Australasia, this podcast includes interviews with emergency care clinicians, researchers, educators, policymakers, and thought leaders from Australasia and the world.
Improve your confidence as an emergency nurse
If you’d like to deepen your knowledge and learn advanced skills in emergency nursing, the Graduate Certificate in Health (Emergency Nursing) at Federation University Online will help to unlock your professional potential.
Speak to our Course Consultants for more info, or download a brochure.
Feeling inspired? It’s easy to apply online today.
