Getting into emergency nursing

Spaciousness · Jul 4, 2013

I would like to "piggy back" off of ernurse2013's question. Most of my nursing experience has been in psych. I eventually went on to get a graduate degree in psychology and I haven't worked as a nurse since 2010. I want to get back into nursing but not psych (I still plan to use my psych degree--either to do out patient private practice, or to supplement my NP--I am in an FNP program now, and I am debating going into psychiatry, or trauma, or if possible, both). I have a strong interest in the ED and would like to work as an ED nurse and possibly as an NP in an ED setting in the future. My last job involved working with geriatric patients that had concurrent psych and medical issues (unlike some psych units, we did not keep people out who needed medical management) so I got a little exposure to medical nursing (e.g IVs; hanging blood; NG tubes; dressing changes, colostomy bags, etc.). Anyway, it seems like the EDs all want people with previous experience (with the exception that one that I am aware of, occasionally takes GNs or has a "nurse interns."). I have been turned down. I have asked about shadowing and was told, "we don't do that anymore." I offered to work for free during an extended training period-no luck. No one seems interested in training me. I was looking at doing an RN refresher program and I would hope that they could provide clinical experience in an ED, but that might be doubtful--esp. since I have never worked in one in the past. So..how the heck do people get into the ED???? It seems like a brick wall, but obviously, some people have scaled it. Maybe they know someone?

Any feedback would be appreciated!

rende · Jul 4, 2013

I started as an LPN on a Med/Surg floor for 6 months, then went to the ED in the fast track area. Finished school and started working the CORE of the ED immediately after. Now I have been an ED RN for over 11 years. I am a clinical coordinator (basically a charge nurse).

turnforthenurse, MSN, NP · Jul 5, 2013

I started out on an ICU stepdown (progressive care unit) and worked there for awhile before transitioning to the ER.

Editorial Team / Moderator · Jul 7, 2013

I was a paramedic/ED tech for 3.5 years before I became an RN. I was hired as an RN in the ED where I'd been working the whole time, so I went into the ED as a new grad. I've only ever worked ED until my deployment (it's all trauma, less ED drama... LOL).

Saflanut · Jul 7, 2013

I was a new grad who did the last semester preceptorship in the ED which I am currently hired. I was proactive and asked to speak with the nurse manager. I worked really hard and showed good attitude. I was fortunate enough to get into their 4 months fellowship program. I am on my own now for about a month. I would not deny that there are days that I feel really inadequate and incompetent. But I am constantly affirmed by the some of the experienced nurses that this is normal. Everybody has good days and bad days.

I like the variety and fast pace that ED brings. Sometimes it is overwhelming though. Hoping to get my grad degree and be a NP. We have NP in the ED settings.

MacIntoshMOM · Jul 7, 2013

All of you who got into the ER... YOU LUCKY DOGS!!! I am taking my nclex tomorrow and all I can think about is getting into the ER. It is what I always wanted to do. I hope I get some luck. First pass... then job.

mbittleston · Jul 7, 2013

I made it into a busy level 2 trauma center ER as a new grad. They were highly selective. I had 9 years on an ambulance prior to nursing school. Lets just hope I make it off probation!!!!

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m0lasses · Jul 9, 2013

So, how about those of you who didn't get in as a new grad? I am a new grad who got a residency on a medical floor. I really want to be on the ED, precepted there, and have a search and rescue background. I am ACLS and PALS certified. Any recommendations for what to do to get into ED and out of med-surg (after a while)?

BellionRN · Jul 11, 2013

I started in an ICU and then went to Emerge just recently. Once I was in with the health authority, I was able to apply internally and get the job that way... I don't know if it's different in the States (assuming that's where you are). For us, once you get your foot in the door, you can basically apply for whatever you want if there's an internal posting (don't always get it though). Now that I have some Emerge under my belt, it will certainly be easier when I want to switch provinces, though... because you're right, all the postings for other health authorities want Emerge experience.

I had skills from ICU (ACLS, BCMI, Hemodynamic monitoring, pacing/defib, 12wk Critical Care Course) that helped me, but it mostly goes by seniority. I'm curious to know if it's at all similar in the States?

Guests · Jul 21, 2013

I started on med-surg, as did a number of my colleagues.

While I was on med-surg, I took ACLS, PALS, NRP, and TNCC - all at my own expense.

I also studied ED books.

I also got to know the ED staff and would go down there whenever I had the opportunity.

I looked for opportunities to float to the ED (where I was given m/s type patients).

I let the charge nurse in the ED know how much I wanted to be an ED nurse.

I was finally given the opportunity to do some sporadic orientation, even though there were no slots.

Eventually a slot opened up and I was the obvious choice... and given the job without it ever posting.

Pudnluv, ASN, RN · Jul 21, 2013

I think I always wanted to get into Emergency nursing, even way back when. When I first started nursing school in the 80's, I also went for and got my EMT certification. Then life sidelined me for awhile, Marriage, babies and eventual divorce. I went back and finished nursing school and took a job in Labor and Delivery. It was quite overwhelming as a new grad and the schedule was killing, with 3 very young children at home. I then took a job doing home care, in which I could do my own scheduling which made life easier with the kids. Eventually I got tired of that and decided to go back to the hospital. I got a job on a telemetry floor, where I had worked as an aide years prior. I learned alot, honed my nursing skills and built up a reputation as a great nurse in the hospital. I probably would've stayed there for longer, but we got a new nurse manager who was just not management material. Also, I wanted to only work 3 12 hour shifts and that was only available in the ED or ICU. I decided to go to the ED, because I had always had an interest in it. I put in my transfer, and was accepted right away, (like I said, I had developed a good reputation throughout the hospital). Best decision ever! I think I was born to work ER. My only regret is that I did not do it sooner.