[Danuttmahn]

Hello Everyone, I am new to this BB. A little about me before I ask some questions; I am 29, soon to be 30 (Yuck....) I have been an electrical engineer for about 3 years and was an electrical engineering technician for about 8 years before that. I have always been interested in medicine, but I did not follow my initial instinct to enter this field when I finished High school. I had the false idea that people would think I was “gay” if I entered the medical field,why was I so immature?. So, after my sixth lay off in the electronics field and a few months of serious soul searching I decided to follow my true passion, medicine! I have been getting quite a bit of 'flack' about the plan for my ultimate goal, to become an emergency medicine physician. I am working toward this goal in three stages. First I am currently attending a CNA course after which I hope to find a position in a trauma center. I am already signed up to start my BSRN course next summer (2003) after which I also hope to work in a trauma center. I plan on working as a RN for quite a few years though. This is for many reasons. First, I have to pay off all of my student loans! Then I have to save enough money to live on for the four years of medical school. But also I want the experience in the emergency field before I go to medical school. Does this plan sound odd to anyone? Ok, if you are still awake I have a few more questions for all you emergency medicine RNs. First, is there a special certification or license to work as a RN in the trauma center or ER? Second, where can I get more information about being a RN in the emergency field? Thank you for your time, sincerely BRRobin aka Danuttmahn

[kaycee]

No special license to work in a trauma center but in the ER you will need ACLS(advanced cardiac life supprt), PALS(advanced pediatric life support), ATLS(advanced trauma life support) and there are othersl like CATN(course in advanced trauma nursing) and TNCC(trauma nurse core course) but that's the basics. These things you can be working on while you are employed as an ER nurse usually. Some trauma centers don't like to hire new grads in the ER but with the nursing shortage they may. Make sure they have a good orientation program and critical care course.
Be prepared to be well into your 40's by the time you finish with
nursing school, med school and your residency. This isn't unheard of but ER is very demanding and it's harder when you get older. I'm not discouraging you though, if that's what you want to do go for it. The Emergency Nurse Association has a website that may give you info. www.ena.org
Hope this helps, welcome to this board and good luck in your endeavors!!!

[RN always]

Don't know anything about emergency nursing. Just wanted to say welcome and the best of luck to you............you can do it!

[Danuttmahn]

Hello Kaycee and RN always, thank you for the responses! I have heard the same thing from everyone about Trauma centers and ERs not hiring new grads. But I am determined to get in somewhere! As for me being in school till I am in my forties I already knew that before I started this career change, so I am already prepared for that. I am already getting the "boy are you a slow learner?" questions from people in my CNA course because I am an older student. But I seem to be the only one in the class with a perfect score! Anyway, thanks again and I will definitely be posting as time passes. Take care and be well all! Barry

[neneRN]

Check with your local hospital about hiring new grads into the ER. I work in a very busy Level II Trauma Center, and was hired as a new grad. In the last year and a half, we've hired 5 new grads.

I can't imagine working anywhere but the ER, I really do love going to work each day.

My hospital requires ER nurses to have ACLS within one year of hire, and TNCC within two years if part of the trauma team. Our pedi ER is separate, so don't need PALS.

If ER is where you want to work, try to get a tech position in the ER whiole in nursing school-a good way to get your foot in the door. Good luck and welcome!

[Hidi74]

I am also going to school to achieve my second career. Good luck!!!! Its fun, scary, challenging and alot more. I wish you well!!!!!!
P.S. welcome to Allnurses, you will find a wealth of support and information here.

[Danuttmahn]

Hello neneRN and Hidi74, thank you for your replies. Thank you for the information neneRN, I am about four weeks away from getting my CNA license and I have been told by a few people that I should be able to get into the local trauma center. Hidi74 I agree with you that it is fun, scary and challenging. Thanks again to all who replied! Take care and be well, Barry.

[RNFROG3]

Our ED hires new grads and thank God for them. I am thrilled you are seeking your dreams i only hope and wish is that once you've experienced nursing you won't want to be a DOC. Nursing is action and joy and and so much more. I hope you have the best instuctors who instill in you a real love for this profession. No we don't make the most money but we make so much more happen. If you chose to go on be an ER doc you'll be such a great asset, having been there done that! Whatever happens -Goodluck!

[silverheart]

Welcome and Good Luck!
I started nursing school when I was 23 and I was "over the hill"
then. (14 yrs. ago) So don't sweat that.
We have a family practice doctor that was a RN prior to med. school. I consider ourselves lucky to have her. It definitely helps having a doctor that REALLY understands the nursing side of things.
Just keep focused on your dream and you'll make it. One step at a time.

Good Luck,
Silver

[2banurse]

Originally posted by silverheart
Welcome and Good Luck!
I started nursing school when I was 23 and I was "over the hill"
then. (14 yrs. ago) So don't sweat that.
We have a family practice doctor that was a RN prior to med. school. I consider ourselves lucky to have her. It definitely helps having a doctor that REALLY understands the nursing side of things.
Just keep focused on your dream and you'll make it. One step at a time.

Good Luck,
Silver

Silverheart, please don''t say "over the hill," today's my 38th birthday and I'm only working on my prereqs!!!!

I just saw the trauma yesterday where the MD was an RN first, and I think that is great...remember, no matter whether you go further for your education or not, years down the road you will still be the same age.

Kris