Tips For New Grad ER Jobs

[S.T.A.C.E.Y]

Hi all! In the next couple of weeks I plan to start getting in contact with some hospitals I'm interested in working for after I graduate, and I've got some questions for you before I start calling.........

I'm wondering what is it that your hospitals look for in a new grad applying for a New Grad ER job? What kinds of things would make me the best candidate.

Would you suggest ACLS, PALS, ITLS, NRP, IV cert before I start looking, before hire or just wait? Other than courses, what else would set me apart to get hired?

Are bigger teaching facilities mostly marks based to weed through the applicants, or do they count other experience as well?

And lastly, When you see a new grad thrive in the ER, not fall flat on her face, what is it about them that helped their success?

Alot to ask, but hopefully some of you will be able to share experiences from your hospitals. Any other comments would be greatly appreciated, thanks!

Thanks!

[murphyle, BSN, RN]

In my department, our new grads generally fall into one of two categories: previous emergency experience (as a EMT-B or EMT-P, as a department aide or tech, as a military medic, etc), or previous emergency/critical care clinical rotations with faculty recommendation (i.e. if you did your senior practicum in an ED or ICU). Locality doesn't matter at all, BSN is a help but not a deal-breaker, and grades, activities and such are largely niceties. We want to know that you have solid time management skills, can learn on your feet, and aren't going to crack under pressure. The rest we can teach you.

As a successful product and proponent of the new-grad-in-ED school, I'll echo the previous posters who have said that the orientation program will determine a major part of your success in Emergency. You'll want to actively seek out hospitals that offer extended orientation periods (we do 12 weeks for GN/new RN, and I wouldn't go any less), and ideally will offer a comprehensive classroom package to go with that. You also may want to consider looking at smaller hospitals within larger systems - while the big names and teaching hospitals offer lots of reputation and resources, the pace and acuity of a large department can be overwhelming. Starting at a smaller institution offers you the chance to hone your skills and knowledge in a more controlled environment, and allows you to work up as you gain more experience in the role.

Best of luck to you!

[whichone'spink, BSN, RN]

What sort of things gets new grads either "let go" or shipped off to Med-surg?

[emilyBABSNRN]

I can tell you that I am a med surg nurse with 3 years of experience, looking to get into the ED, so far without success. I don't like med surg and am pretty sure the ED is the right place for me. Everyone also told me that med surg would be a great first experience/foundation for the ED and what I am finding is that a lot of places will not hire me with this. Some of told me that tele is what I really need--one nurse recruiter said that I'd need at least 2 years tele experience to transition into their ED. So my suggestion, from a different experience perspective, is go for the ED--if one takes you or if you find one with the critical care course that takes new grads. I know that I am not giving up on this, as this is what I really want and have already put enough time into med surg.

Dont feel too bad Sabbady, I have almost 2 years of experience in Tele and I cannot find an ER job either. It could just be related to the simple fact that right now a lot of expereinced nurses are looking for jobs. I was recently told that with my tele expereince I would be a better fit for their med/surg and not ER. I was pretty depressed by that. I guess even in the different specialties in nursing, it also is "who you know".