What is the best way for an older nurse to get into the ER?

Specialties Emergency

Published

Hi all,

I have been a nurse now for almost 11 years. I have done a little bit of several types of nursing: small community hospital (where we did it ALL), mother/baby, med/surg, LPN instructor and LTC. I have been in the longterm care arena for the last 4 1/2 years now and although the money is great for my part of the country(I am a consultant making 70K) I am worn out with LTC.

I have always wanted to work in the ED, but never went down that road. What is the best way for me to make myself marketable so that I can land a job in an ED? All I ever see is opportunities for new grads and I am way past that now . . . .

Thanks for your input.

Steph

sorefeet37

3 Posts

the reason you only see offers for new grads is because most ed's are so short on staff, they are willing to start from the ground up. this does not mean they won't welcome you with open arms. your age won't be as much of a barrier as the culture difference between ltc and ed. make an appointment to sit down with a nurse recruiter. many teaching hospitals offer great critical care and trauma classes coupled with a preceptor program that could have you up and running in a few months time.

loricatus

1,446 Posts

Specializes in ED, ICU, PACU.

Although this would be a back door approach, this did work for me:

If you have area teaching hospitals, try calling and asking to speak to the ER Nurse Educator. Just explain what you posted and ask if she could spare some time for a one on one meeting. If the educator is open to this, you could use the meeting as a gateway to meeting the NM and have an instant interview bypassing the time wasting HR process. This approach would show that you have a valued trait for an ER nurse-CHUTZPAH!

1776patriot

34 Posts

The quickest route is chest pain..

bill4745, RN

874 Posts

Specializes in ICU, ER.

After 10 years of ICU, my experience and maturity (age 52) were welcomed by my hospital ER. I agree with Sorefeet about the new grads advertising.

Specializes in Cardiac/Med Surg.

I agree with the above, I was told by my nurse manager and several others that a more mature RN (even new grad like me) is a valued employee, better life skills, harder to fluster, etc, etc...go for it and more power to you!

BlueRidgeHomeRN

829 Posts

Specializes in Home Care, Hospice, OB.
the quickest route is chest pain..

i was thinking hip fx! no fllaming, please....i'm old!:eek:

sorefeet37

3 Posts

Since you've been in LTC for a while, take a teaching hospital - sponsored critical care course. Then just let the nurse manager know that you're interested. If they don't bite at the facility of your choice, try a smaller, slower ER (easier pace for a start), or one in a diadvantaged part of town (harder to staff), til you get some experience under your belt

akvarmit

109 Posts

Specializes in ED, PCU, Addiction, Home Health.

Heck - I'd just apply to some places and make sure you mark that your interest is in getting into the ER. If there's openings, you're just as eligible as anyone else to sit at an interview and ring your own bell!

Most managers would love to have a eager mind that's teachable.

Throw your hat in and make some calls!

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