Interested in ER Nursing

Specialties Emergency

Published

I've been an RN, BSN for half a year and been working full-time in psychiatry. I plan to take my ACLS in Dec. and apply for a transfer in the ER by early next year. What else can I do so I can get into ER even without prior Tele or ICU experience? I'd like to work in fast-paced, exciting, stimulating environment where things are not so predictable. I know ER Nurses are very smart, strong-minded individuals and I have a lot of respect for the job you guys do. I hope to be among you next year.

One more thing, what paths can an ED Nurse take after say 2-3 years of experience. Is it possible to go from ER to becoming an NP or Case Manager? I'm just curious what other opportunities are there for an ER Nurse.

:) :rolleyes: :p :D :eek: :cool:

I am a Paramedic and will be finishing my RN very soon. I just transfered from doing Critical Care transports to working in a 74 bed ER. I know from my standpoint that as soon as I get done with my RN I will be put with a Preceptor and will go through a Critical Care Nursing class (same one I took as a Paramedic, but it will be good to take again.) After 3-6 mos of precepting and the 14 weeks class I will hopefully be cut loose. All of this was told to me by my new manager (finally got a good manager, lol).

I do not know how things are done where you are, but alot of places are so short that they will take a new grad (diploma, ADN, BSN whatever) and train them the way they want. Look around online at some other places of employment in your area to get something to compare to.

As far as what direction to take.... My good friend is a Ped NP in a ER. She loves it and was a ER nurse for only 2 years. Most schools do not really have a length of experience requirment for NP schools, but you just have to find the one that you may be interested in and find out what they want. Another oppurtunity is Forensic nursing. Good luck with everything. :D

VaMedic,

I bet you will be cut loose before three months even. I just finished school (RN) and am working in a 44 bed ER, have been Para for 13 yrs. Is yours a level 1 trauma center or level 2.

Shoegal,

Take TNCC and PALS, in most ER's they are requirements. If you have these classes under your belt this shows an ER nurse manager you are serious about wanting to come to the ER, plus it show initiative on your part.

Good Luck!!!!

The ER where I work is Level III (with aspirations of Level II). We see tons of medical and most of the serious trauma goes to the Level II that is 15 min away, or gets stabilized at our ER and flown to the Level I which is a 12 min flight. I definatly agree with you on the three month thing. I usually end up helping the Docs more than alot of the nurses do. The only thing that they routinely do that I don't is pushing Meds. We have to chart the same way a RN does and have many of the same responsibilties.

Specializes in Emergency room, med/surg, UR/CSR.

PALS and ACLS are definite musts for working in the ER, also prior to ACLS, a good basic rythym (sp?) class is extremely helpful. TNCC is good also. You might also want to do some ride time on a local ambulance just to give you a feel of what it is like for patients prior to arrival at the ER. (not required, but can be quite interesting).

Good luck in your future in the ER!

YOU WATCH IT!

WE LIVE IT!

Pam;)

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