[sertoli]

I am graduating in December and want to eventually work in the ED of a local trauma center. My plan is to start in Telemetry, then spend 6months to 1yr in ICU and then transfer to ED. Does this sound like a good plan to you experienced RNs in the ED?? If not what do you suggest?? Thanks so much
- Sertoli

[EricaWA]

Hi,
Have you talked with the nurse recruiter from the hospital you are interested in? Maybe they offer ER residencies in the ER. My fiance is also interested in ER and plans to be a flight nurse eventually. He worked in telemetry as a nurse tech at our trauma hospital then applied for ICU after graduation at a level 2 trauma hospital, where he is early in his residency. There were no ER residencies offered at the time and he wanted to get going. Two weeks after he began his residency in ICU, ER residencies opened up and I have an interview as a new graduate (who knows how that will go). I know with the nursing shortage anything is possible but it's the timing and how long you are willing to wait that is a problem. Good luck and the plans you mentioned would be great experience!! I would definitely call the nurse recruiter and ask her about residencies or possible residencies in the near future (they usually have some idea). That way you'll plant your name with her and will get the chance to jump start your resume and application. Good luck.
Erica

[babs_rn]

This day and age, you can likely go straight into ED from graduation. Everybody's short of help and I've seen several ED's take on new grads, something that was unheard of a few years ago. Used to be, you had to "pay your dues" for a year in med-surg. Make sure you have ACLS, PALS, & ENPC ASAP!!!

Babs

[babs_rn]

Oh, and let's not forget BTLS and BBLS, then you can go for ATLS and ABLS and of course there's TNCC!!!!

tee-hee-hee...

Babs

[Joshua417]

Hello!
I followed a similar path that you described. I worked 10 months in Oncology then was able to gain a casual (full-time) postion in a lvl 1 SICU. I worked there for 16 months and completed a basic critical care/ICU course. This helped immensly (probably would have been canned if I hadn't taken it). Then an opportunity arose in an ER in another hospital. I applied and they took me on. I think what tipped the scales in my favor were the ICU course, ICU experience and the fact that I was working on a ER Nursing Diploma (Out of Mt. Royal College in Edmonton, Alberta Canada, VERY indepth and a large time commitment). A friend of mine applied, working a year longer but only with med/surg. exp. and was told more experience was required, particularly in Critical Care.
**I would have done it differently, looking back after a year in ER.** I think I would have done atleast another year in medicine and atleast another year in ICU/CCU. In the ER sometimes the MD isn't there to see your pt who is near crashing or has chest pain and you have to manage the patient as your training and EXPERIENCE have taught you. There's nothing worse than knowing something is going on with your pt and you don't know what to do.
That's my schtick. Any other regrets? Nope. I love every shift I get in the ER.

Good Luck!

[KR]

Hey Babs!
What is ENPC? I am familiar with all the others and have most, but not sure what ENPC is. Thanks! Kimberly Rush, RN

[nurse4life]

I started my career as a RN in the ER. It was to me kindof a sink or swim feeling. Thank heavens I swam and now love it. Many hospitals are hiring new grads in the ER. I have worked with many and know how each felt. I think no matter where you start your career as a nurse, you will have to learn as you go along and hope you have a very patient preceptor.

[NurseyK]

ENPC = Emergency Nurse Pediatric Course
Should get your NALS and CEN also to make it a clean sweep.....the most basic things you should take before any of the advanced stuff should include: Basic Physical Assessment Course and Basic Critical Care Course, which usually includes a Basic Dysrhythmia section. You'll be glad you did.

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The grass isn't greener on the other side -- it's just different grass