How the ER Has Changed: Two Veteran Nurses Reflect on Emergency Medicine Then vs. Now

Send us Fan Mail Emergency medicine isn't what it used to be. In this episode, Brittney and Felicia take a trip down memory lane, sharing how they each found their way into emergency nursing and reflecting on how the ER has evolved over the years. From paper charting and handwritten orders to electronic medical records, increasing patient volumes, boarding, workplace violence, and the growing complexity of emergency care, they discuss what's changed—and what hasn't. While technology and medicine have advanced, one thing remains the same: the heart of emergency nursing is caring for people during some of the hardest moments of their lives. Whether you're a seasoned nurse, new graduate, nursing student, or simply curious about what happens behind the scenes in the emergency department, this conversation offers an honest look at how the profession has evolved. In this episode, we discuss:  How Brittney and Felicia got started in emergency nursing   What the ER looked like years ago compared to today   The evolution of charting and healthcare technology   Increasing patient acuity and staffing challenges   Burnout, resilience, and why nurses stay   The future of emergency medicine  If you've been in healthcare for a while, we'd love to know:  What's the biggest change you've seen in your career? Support the show To the nurses, students & healthcare fam listening — you’re our people 🫶 Thanks for supporting Hold My Stethoscope ❤️ Stay connected & join the community ⬇️  🎧 Spotify + Apple Podcasts  📱 @HoldMyStethoscopePodcast on TikTok + IG  🗣️ Submit your stories to be featured → https://forms.gle/DJuKzVPUNBizLK9N7  📚 Med Max Edu education & resources → Stan.Store/medmaxedu 💗 Felicia’s GoFundMe — walking through pancreatic cancer with faith & fight → https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-felicias-fight-against-pancreatic-cancer ⭐️ Your review truly helps us reach more nurses who need this space