Quote from MERRYWIDOW46
BLS, ACLS Definitely!
TNCC is best for now, CEN requires 2 years of clinical experinece in ER verified by a nurse manager to take the exam.
Best of Luck, and as several others have said, a Nurse Refresher course. In my state you can NOT return to work after several years not working without taking one. The community colleges here offer them.
Welcome back.
Actually, in my state (and it may vary greatly), you do not have to have any ER experience before you take the CEN exam. Although I don't think I could have ever passed it without having a lot of bloody-up-to-the-elbows hands on experience!!
TNCC, ACLS, PALS, a great ekg course, CATN, SANE, and many other courses are wonderful to have, but not required to start in most ERs. In fact some are required with our orientation and others you can get as you go, although most places won't reimburse you anymore unless offered there.
Good luck to you, you are about to begin a wonderful journey-hope you like it.
Jan 13, '10 by cookienayWelcome back and best wishes in entering the crazy world of ER nursing. No further advice to add as the other posters are right on the money with their advice. just wanted to say Good Luck!ga*gal likes this.
Jan 13, '10 by LunahRNQuote from MERRYWIDOW46Actually, that's not true. BCEN recommends 2 years, but it's not required. I took my CEN after 10 months of time as an RN. CPEN requires specific time, but the CEN does not. Eligibility info: http://www.ena.org/bcen/exams/Eligib...s/default.aspxCEN requires 2 years of clinical experinece in ER verified by a nurse manager to take the exam.
