New RN, education suggestions please!!

Nurses New Nurse

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Hello everyone! I recently graduated and became a licensed Registered Nurse.

Question: What can I do while applying for jobs now to get additional certifications? I do start my BSN program in the fall. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

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Specializes in ED, Cardiac-step down, tele, med surg.

You can get certs, ACSL, etc. I even had a friend do the CEN, he wanted to work in ER and to show enthusiasm he completed this before even getting a job. He was also very interested in the subject. It might just be expensive though. Once you start working often the employer will take care of the certs for you. Some even pay you to go. I would volunteer while applying if you have the time. It definitely looks good on the resume.

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Thank you for the information!!!

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Specializes in L&D, infusion, urology.

Look at certs required in your area, and Google that cert in your town/area to see where you can do it and for how much. For many, you'll need to read a textbook ahead of time. I'm finishing up reading my NRP book, then I need to do my online exams, then I'll take the class. Next is ACLS, followed by PALS. I'll probably do my CEN or TNCC after that, as I have a promising lead in emergency right now.

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Hi RunBabyRN, what is the NRP stand for? Thank you for the information. Best of luck with the ER position.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

CEN is unique - it does not actually require any specific type of clinical experience for eligibility. Therefore, it is focused on didactic content. Most specialty certifications for nursing are only open to nurses with at least 2 years of relevant experience. A hiring manager may be impressed that you invested the time, effort & money to obtain a CEN, but it would not be interpreted as actual clinical expertise.

Unless you are going to be working with those populations, PALS & NRP may not add any value to your Job Search.

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Specializes in L&D, infusion, urology.
Hi RunBabyRN, what is the NRP stand for? Thank you for the information. Best of luck with the ER position.

NRP= neonatal resuscitative program. If you're not getting into these areas, as HouTx said, no need, but look at the populations with which you may be working. What area of nursing are you trying to crack?

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NRP= neonatal resuscitative program. If you're not getting into these areas, as HouTx said, no need, but look at the populations with which you may be working. What area of nursing are you trying to crack?

I want to crack into Neuro / OR / ER / MICU. I just interviewed with an amazing Neuro unit at the hospital I already work at as a PCA. I really love the busy, hectic, exciting and challenging things that a hospital offers. Neuro would be my goal. I know that as a new nurse I need experience to get into a lot of these units but I'm a go getter so I'm trying regardless. I did just cert for NIH stroke scale. The said they will train me for certs in vents, etc. I just can't wait to start as an RN!! so exciting!!!

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