Should a new grad go straight into the ER?

lisa bear rn · Aug 17, 2005

Hi All!
I live in Brooklyn NY and am graduating from nursing school in december. I am currently doing a summer externship at Bellevue in the ER and I love it but am not sure whether to try and get a job in an ER when I graduate or after a little med-surg experience first. Does anyone have any good advice to offer on this subject? If you think med-surg is a good place to start, is there any particular floor that you feel would prepare me for the ER? If you think going to the ER straight from college is alright, do you have any advice on which hospitals offer good orientation programs?
Many many thanks!!

I went straight from nursing school to the ER as an RNA, I think it was the best thing I have ever done! Talk about on the job training!! It was a level II trauma center too!! I was lucky to have some good preceptors who took me under their wing, they wont throw you into the trauma/acute side of the ER to begin with, you will orient more with clinic type patients and the almighty pelvic room!! Just to learn the ropes first, then you will get more into the acute, sick, sick patients and trauma when you are comfortable. Remember to always keep a good attitude and let people teach you. I once precepted a new grad and every time I tried to teach her something she would cut me off and say "I already know that". Wrong attitude. There were some nurses who would be angry that back in the day they had to do their "dues" on the floor before being able to work in the ER, after a while I gained their respect. Good Luck to you and if this is what you want go for it!! You will learn a little about

EVERYTHING in the ER, which can prepare you for other specialty fields!!

Sylvia RN · Aug 19, 2005

I think you will probably doing fine to go right into the ER provided you have already been an RNA there and feel comfortable with the training you are getting. I wouldn't advise it if you are going to a very small ER where you will be without much guidance. Good luck! Sounds fun!

liz1979 · Aug 22, 2005

thank you both so much for the advice

this is going to sound really stupid but what is an RNA?

i think you are right that you see a LOT of things in the emergency room and it is an incredible way to learn. i think though, that my clinical skills arn't so great right now and i feel that maybe it would be better just to take 6mos - 1 year to get them right in a slightly slower paced environment

i am also hoping that when i go into the ER eventually i can find one with a really good and intense orientation program - does anyone know ER's in NYC with a good orientation program reputation?

lisa bear rn · Aug 24, 2005

thank you both so much for the advice
this is going to sound really stupid but what is an RNA?
i think you are right that you see a LOT of things in the emergency room and it is an incredible way to learn. i think though, that my clinical skills arn't so great right now and i feel that maybe it would be better just to take 6mos - 1 year to get them right in a slightly slower paced environment
i am also hoping that when i go into the ER eventually i can find one with a really good and intense orientation program - does anyone know ER's in NYC with a good orientation program reputation?

An RNA means Registered Nurse Applicant, you have already graduated from nursing school but you are waiting to take NCLEX. A couple weeks after graduation, you get a form that says you can work as an RN WITH A PRECEPTOR who is an RN and usually has been in his/her field for a year or so. you sign your name on charts, jdoe, RNA. THEN when you pass boards, you can write RN RN RN RN RN as many times as you want!!! AND as an RNA you get paid as an RN, at least in Louisiana. And no question is stupid, I didnt know what an RNA was at one time!!! Also if a person fails boards they lose the privalidge (cant spell!) to work as an RNA and must either work as a CNA, tech, or quit working untill you pass boards. This happens to many and they usually keep working as a tech, aide, or whatever. I hope this clairifies things!! LISA