[Daimon]

Im a male pre-nursing student and I want to become a ER RN.
Are there certain classes that I should take to be a canidate for such a job or is my BSN enough?

[oMerMero]

In terms of formal education, a bsn or adn is enough to work in the ER. You might want to consider working as a tech in the ER during school in order to get your foot in the door

[JT RN]

Depending on what part of the country you're from, you can try getting an EMT certification and as omermero said work as an ER tech. You can also do pre-hospital work as an EMT, but again it depends on where you live.

In S. California I got my EMT cert in 2 weeks, got hired on the spot for an ambulance company, and started running fire calls with medics within a month. Great experience, and the schedule works well for students.

as far as classes, there's always things like ACLS/PALS or reading EKGs, but I hardly think that'll help you get hired over another candidate. What really counts is work experience.

If you have a specific hospital in mind, doing anything within that facility may increase your chances. I've heard of secretaries in the ER being hired, almost without question, once they got their RN, 1) because of union (straight out of the managers mouth, I kid you not) and 2) they know the facility already. They say once your foot is in the door, it's pretty easy to move around.

[KsMICT]

Get into an ER in some capacity to get a feel of the ER atmosphere (boredom followed by fear, two patients followed by too many patients, sometimes b**chy nurses) and to know what 12 hours on your feet feels like.

[longjourneydream]

I started in the ER as a tech only with PCA knowledge 17 years but not the ER,
I immediately fell in love with the ER...

I worked as a ER tech and I was given advanced technical skills.

Foley insertion,
EKG's, basic monitor knowlege, wound care,suture/staple removal, assisting Dr's/ ARNP's suture set up,splints, temporary half casts pelvic exam set-up, ordering tests, blood draws, etc...

The experience is a plus to becoming an RN.
All my co-workers would tell me how lucky I am to have all this experience behind me.
Many RN's do not know how to do a simple EKG, or wrist,finger,or hand splint.
I have gladly taught nurses, and they in turn taught me nursing fundmentals.
It is even amazing how many nurses were never taught how to do a sling and swath, and I am so very glad to teach them.

There are so many things I need to learn as a RN, but because I can teach someone to do something, they are more than willing to teach me the ropes to being an RN.

The other benefit is gaining respect from the other nurses ;by demonstrating the hard work that it took to becoming a RN.
I worked full time as a tech and went to school 3/4 to full time, so it was not an easy task.

I find the ER a great place to work, because I have developed great relationships with my peers and they know what I'm made of, and what to expect.

So, in my long winded way

Yes, it is great to work as a tech first, before applying as a nurse.

It is the greatest place to learn, and who knows you may fall in love like I did...

Originally Posted by KsMICT

Get into an ER in some capacity to get a feel of the ER atmosphere (boredom followed by fear, two patients followed by too many patients, sometimes b**chy nurses) and to know what 12 hours on your feet feels like.