Life in the ER is a multitude of things all at the same time.
It can be fun, challenging, intimidating, rewarding, stressful and downright scary. As a nurse at the beginning of a shift, you never know what you’re walking into or what is going to happen.
You have to have courage to do this job. You have to hold true to your beliefs while respecting the beliefs of others.
You can’t be afraid to advocate for your patients and do what is right, even if the right thing is the hardest thing to do. It takes courage to be confident in your knowledge, to be able to speak up for those who can’t defend themselves, and to question orders when you believe they’re wrong.
Being a nurse is hard no matter where you work. Often times, it’s a thankless job.
In the ER, you have to rely heavily on your team. Your coworkers become your family. You build each other up and help each other in times of struggle, both in life and in the workplace.
At the end of the day, you’re there to save lives and make a difference. You have to be able to act quickly when every second counts. When lives are on the line, there are no do-overs; you only get one shot.
Courage is everything when you’re a nurse, especially in the ER.
—Kaitlyn Sutherland

Photography by Emily Sobecki