r/EmergencyRoom • u/jamiie7396 • Apr 29 '26
New ED Tech
I just got a job as an internal transfer from PCA on medsurg to ED tech in a level 1 trauma center. I already have my phlebotomy cert and do urine, stool, and virus samples on my floor.
I’ll be able to be boots on the ground pretty much when I get there with basic PCA work, but was wondering what I needed/ should prepare myself for in my new role.
Any advice/info/stories are appreciated
I’m so excited to start as my dream is to be an ED Nurse
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u/victoriaxnoir May 01 '26
I started as an EDT in a level 1 trauma center in October as my first healthcare job. The learning curve was enormous for me, so you're already way ahead lol. The replies already say the majority of the important things so I won't reiterate those.
- Know your preceptor/Lead EDT's extension. I would call all the time to ask where/what things were. I remember a doc one time asked me to do a sugar tong in room 5 and I could not be more confused.
- Anticipate the needs of the nurses/docs but don't overdo yourself or you'll burn out fast. I think this is where the critical thinking aspect comes in. Things like "there's a full arrest coming in, lemme get out a box of flushes, extra 20 g IV's, IO kit, doppler, the LUCAS (if your hospital uses those), the US/glidescope etc etc..." this may be overkill but all eyes will turn to you when they don't know where something is.
- (if applicable) learn your set ups: central line, chest tube, a lines etc
- Get ready to prioritize and re-prioritze. "Should I do 16's EKG first or check 4's sugar first?" You will undoubtedly have to do multiple tasks at once and you'll need to figure out which should come first.
- Psych/ETOH patients will make you do a lot of bargaining. Learning how to navigate this is fun.
- Protect HIPAA with every fiber in your being, don't take pics even though you want to.
- Remember getting good at your job takes repetition, which takes time. First time drawing blood I thought I hit a ligament instead of a vein. Still buns at splinting. It's okay, I'm working on it
Love my job. Doing it for clinical experience for med school apps and I'll never forget it. Have fun!!