New RN, direct hire to ER?

Specialties Emergency

Published

Hi everyone,

I am currently coming out of the EMS world and starting in an ADN program this Fall. I have previous experience (since 2012) as an EMT/firefighter with one if our local departments, an EMT from two different large emergency ambulance providers, and went through paramedic school (just didn't finish internship).

With that that being said:

What are the chances of being hired on with an ER, directly after receiving my RN?

Thank you in advance!

Purple_roses

1,763 Posts

I've had three ADN RN friends get jobs in the ER right after passing NCLEX. It may depend on the area you're in--I'm in Indiana.

seasidesoul

200 Posts

Plenty of my new grad friends went straight into ER residency programs.

Briiiitttt

62 Posts

Specializes in ICU.

I think it depends where you are located

I'm an ADN new grad in a level 1 trauma center ED. All the new grads they've hired in the past 2 years (at least 6 that I know of), we're all from the same school.

BecomingNursey

334 Posts

Specializes in Emergency Nursing.

It really just depends on where you're located and the specific facility you're looking at. Will you be doing a ER rotation in clinical at the hospital you want to work at? If so, STAND OUT! That's what I did. :) Hired in the ED of my dreams right out of school!

NurseIndependa

113 Posts

Specializes in Emergency Department.

I am a new grad starting in the ER. My area offers a lot of ER residencies, so the training is very thorough: 20 weeks with a curriculum based off the ENA orientation guidelines.

With your prior experience, you should try to network with some ER nurses/management at the hospitals you affiliated with as EMS. It could help you get your foot in the door.

Larry3373

281 Posts

Specializes in Critical Care; Recovery.

ER can have a lot of turnover so your chances are pretty high if you're persistent. I think your EMT background should help.

Jasel, BSN, RN

203 Posts

Specializes in Emergency Room.

I think it mostly depends on your location but I know plenty of nurses (BSNs and ADNs) who came out of nursing school and went straight to the ER. Including myself.

Editorial Team / Moderator

Lunah, MSN, RN

14 Articles; 13,766 Posts

Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

I have only ever done ED since 2008 when I graduated from an ADN program. It is possible! I was hired as an RN in the same ED where I had worked as a tech for 3+ years. My job offer: "You're not leaving." Haha. Get a tech job if you can, leverage those contacts/relationships from EMS. But make sure you are offered a thorough orientation! That is essential, even with EMS experience. I was a paramedic for five years by the time I became an RN, so trust me on that. I had a great orientation - something like 12 weeks - plus a fellowship at our hospital system's Level 1 that included classroom and online training. Get that foundation. It can be done. Good luck!

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