Determining Years of Experience

[MidnightAzalea]

Does anyone know if a job description including words like "X years Y department experience required" might count years of non-nursing but clinical experience at Y dept? I am hoping for a job in an ER out of state from where I am now as a new grad next year. I am currently an ER tech and will have 3+ years of experience then with several years of experience in EMS. Would I have a chance at a job that requires 2 years of ER experience? What would be a good way to find out from specific employers? Does anyone have experience with a similar situation?

Thanks!

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

Each employer has a defined method of calculating experience that takes into account the different roles. For instance, if you are applying for an RN position, any previous LP/VN experience may be counted on a 2-for-one basis; 2 years = 1 yr RN. There may be a similar conversion for non-licensed experience, but I have not generally seen that except for surgical techs. The scope & environment of practice for EMS is limited to first-responder (non acute care) so there may not be any credit, particularly since ED RNs are expected to have experience in triage.

[netglow, ASN, RN]

Most not.

Look carefully, they usually will say "X years RN experience".

You will have no experience as an RN until you get your license and with this license become gainfully employed in the position of Licensed Registered Nurse.

I often have this discussion with fellow newer grads eg. "telemetry experience". The facility is asking for direct RN telemetry experience! and no you don't have any just because you worked on a medsurg floor as a tech and all rooms have tele capability.

[elkpark]

Job postings that say "X years of experience" usually mean experience in the same role as the job that's being posted (RN job = years of RN experience). As HouTX noted, some employers will give "partial credit" for LPN experience (for an RN position). I've never heard of tech or CNA experience being counted toward RN experience.

[kae2010]

Usually those refer to years of experience as a nurse, however that doesn't mean you shouldn't apply for the job. I applied to every job I saw regardless of the posted years of experience, and I actually got hired right out of school on a floor which wanted 2 or more years of experience. My only advice is don't apply for a position which requires a particular certification you do not have or couldn't get. If it just states experience then apply because you never know what could happen and if you don't try its an automatic NO.