What experience is needed?

Hi I too am a new grad. I could not picture myself doing anything but ER nursing. My goal is to become a flight nurse. I found a preceptorship program at a local hospital. This is a 12 week intensive program that includes classes and clinical days. I went in with ACLS and PALS. Which I think is a good suggestion. I also took a trauma semminar the summer before my 4th semester in nursing school. Anything is possible and because of the nursing shortage many opportunities are available. Go after what you want.

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Boopeedoop

I agree with the reply" It has a lot to do with your personaliity"! Only the strong will survive. I always wanted to work in ER but at our hospital it was closed to LPN's. While working towards my RN and my "Life's Dream" I got certified as an EMT first. Then I went to Paramedic School. I did a lot of volunteer time in ER much like the techs we have today but on my own time while covering call as a Paramedic. I worked on Oncology as an LPN and floated to ER. I had a lot of experience by the time I finally got my RN liscense. I don't recommend anyone going to the ED unless they have a strong personality and can think fast on their feet. I have my ACLS, TNCC, ENPC, PALS and BTLS. I don't have my CEN or NOWS but I don't have time.We are so short staffed. We have new grads working in ED. The one's with the want to make it but you have to do a lot on your own time. Things change so fast from minute to minute and patient to patient. I think that nothing is more full filling than work at something you love!

Well it use to be a minimun of two years Nursing experience and you could be concidered. Now with the shortage you can go right into ER even the major trauma centers. They are in dire straights so many have put together clinical courses that they will put you in. Here it is a six week course followed by a clinical orientation. After that you can and should get your ACLS and Your PALS, TNCC is not always available, it is a very good basic course. I think if you do your senior practium in ER then you may just get to go right into this field. Smaller hospitals probably have lower acuity but often do not have the best education resourses. Staffing levels are lower as well and this may affect your orientation experience. If you apply ask about these things up front, if the education is there and the orientation is there go for it.

Cathy,
I was very interested in your post as I am a soon-to-be new RN grad in Ontario and am interested in ER nursing. Do you know of any good hospitals in the Hamilton/Southern Ontario area to apply to when I graduate? I would appreciate any further info you can send me
Thanks!