New Nurse Looking For ER Advice

Specialties Emergency

Published

Hello all! I just graduated this December and got my RN license about a week ago. I worked full time through nursing school in a non medical field. I had multiple rotations in the ER during my clinicals and feel that is the best fit for me. I currently have my BLS and ACLS. I really want to start my career in the ER but know that hiring a new nurse in the ER is not a common thing. I have a good job right now and don't need immediate employment. My question is this...Would it be a better idea to try for a position on med/surg or tele, or icu or anything else, just to get into a hospital? Or would it be a good idea to just keep trying to find an ER that will accept a new nurse? Any opinions would be greatly appreciated.

I've obviously got a lot to consider and all the feedback has been great, thanks everyone, I am looking in the Houston/North Houston area if anyone knows of any positions.

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DavidRamirez,

I think if your heart is set on the ED you should start there. Why waste a year or more doing a type of nursing that you're not interested in? If you are passionate about a certain area wouldn't your time be more well spent in that area? I am a recent grad and I know a few people in my class who got a job in the ED right out of school. Nowadays, I have heard of units such as the ICU telling new nurses who don't seem to be keeping up with the pace, "Why don't you work on a med/surg floor and reapply when you gain more experience..." so it just goes to show that many units will take new grads and evaluate their performance. Hope that helps!

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Yes that does thank you, I guess what I was looking for was to hear that it is possible. I really dont think I will have that difficult of a time, I pick up things quickly and it doesn't take me long to be proficient at things, I know i would do great.

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Specializes in ER\NICU.

As an ER nurse... I will tell you starting as a new grad in the ED is not safer smart. Unless you start in an Er that has tiring where you start with low acuity patients and work up. You should have at least 2 years experience before taking on the Er. Er nursing is a whole different breed. I agree with you.. I always new where I was going to work I just had to get there.. I stared my nursing career in the NICU then after 2 years split m time between the 2 places..

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That def is a major factor in my decision

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Specializes in 2.

Hello all,

This is to anyone who wants to respond. I have an unique situation. I am currently an active duty military member and I plan to separate in 2014. I would like to work in the ED after separation. I have been deployed for 6 months, have 3 months civilian med/surg experience, and 4 years perioperative experience. I am certified in all the life support stuff and TNCC. I find myself getting nervous looking at openings for ED internships for experienced nurses who want to make a career change. Is this normal? Should I just apply for ED positions in Texas and see what happens or should I apply for an internship? Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks

Maverickemt

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From all the places I have been looking, you shouldnt have too much trouble finding a spot, especially with military background

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Specializes in 2.

What places have you been looking at? Do you work in an ED now? If so, where?

thanks

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Specializes in 2.

What places have you been looking at? Do you work in an ED now? If so, where?

thanks

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I am a new nurse so I have been looking everywhere, i am mainly looking in houston area, memorial hermann, st lukes, hca, all of them want experience, not just er experience

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