Dreams of Becoming an ER Nurse Fading.

[jjnmrsmom]

I work for a great hospital and want to live out my nursing career there. However my dream has always been to work in the ER. Problem is my (adult only) hospital only hires experienced nurses. There are no opportunities to cross train... I've asked. I've taken an ECG class, attained ACLS certification, and multiple CEU's to gain knowledge in order to increase my changes but they still wont consider me. How do I get the experience? I feel my dream slipping away. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

[badphish]

I'm a New Grad RN. And I start my ER position at a hospital seeking Magnet status. I know most of the nurse there because I'm a paramedic that transports their often. They know me and know my work ethic. So they were eager to hire me even though I'm an ADN. I expressed my interest a couple months before graduation. They hold up in hiring was the whole ADN bs BSN. Thing. But finally HR. Allowed my hiring. I'm very stoked. My EMS / paramedic job is with another hospital. Where it would probably been easier for me to get hired at. But I wanted this position and I got it . If you want ti vevan ER nurse then go find that ER position. Some where else.

[jjnmrsmom]

I would be willing to take an ER position in another hospital and have applied but I haven't gotten any interviews. The way the market is right now only experienced nurses are getting the jobs. That's why I was hoping for some insight as to how I get the experience. I think nursing has changed a lot and the flexibility you all are talking about is not there anymore. But I will keep trying.

[Jenfire, BSN, RN]

26 years experience here as an RN. Education, education, education is the key. I started as a diploma nurse worked my butt off in a rural hospital while going towards my BSN. How I did it? one class at at time, one semester at a time. It sucked. I have worked almost every area imaginable. Gather the experience and aim for what you want to do. DO NOT be afraid to move from hospital to hospital and department to department. Even if the experience is a horrible one you will learn from it. Get your certifications and keep them current.

Being a nurse is a marathon - not a sprint.

Hugs of encouragement!

Jen

[mmutk, BSN, RN, EMT-I]

Take TNCC and PALS too if able, that might help out your chances as these are common among ER staff.