Jason Ly understands what it’s like to be a new nurse in an emergency department (ED). He started at the Misericordia nearly three years ago, during his final university placement in the ED. Prior to working as a registered nurse (RN), Jason worked in EDs as a registration clerk, unit clerk and health care aide.
Jason says his training as a new graduate in the ED was where he was able to learn the flow of the department and gain the confidence and independence required to work there.
Once new RNs gain experience and strengthen their skills, they are trained to work with the higher acuity patients and develop specialized competencies.
“Learning from more experienced staff gives new nurses various tools to incorporate into their practice,” Jason says.
“When I first started in the ED, I asked a lot of questions, but now I’m increasingly the one being asked the questions.”
Jason admits that ED nurses tend to be a “Jack of all trades and master of none” and that it can be valuable when nurses with other specialties join the team.
“The ED may seem an intimidating place to work, but with an amazing team to support and teach you, you become a stronger nurse,” Jason says. “We refer to each other as ‘Mis ED family.’ We are always looking out for each other.”
Jason looks forward to working with new team members in the New Year, both newer and more experienced healthcare workers, and he is excited for the new ED to open in 2023.
“I am most excited to have more space and windows, as well as proper rooms for patients, with doors and walls, not curtains.”
While Jason appreciates being part of the Misericordia ED staff, it is the patients he works for.
“A majority of patients admitted to hospital begin in the ED,” he says. “Being one of the people to stabilize them before admission is a huge accomplishment.”
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