Attention ER nurses and managers

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Specializes in GENERAL.

Im a new grad RN and gradated November 2012. Our instructors told us because we were getting our BSN we would be so much more marketable. Yeah right! Its tough out there and we have to fight like every other RN. I have been out of work but looking for a job just about anywhere to get my foot in the door. I have taken ACLS, PALS and I have not been able to land an ER job. Most ERs in Cali say no new grad. Ive applied and gone to the facilities and talked to the nursing managers, they all say the same thing. NO NEW GRADS. I've been saving myself for a new grad program, but realized i have to expand my options and apply everywhere including SNF's. My question is, what says to managers and ED nurses that Im serious about the ED? Is it taking tons of ED Cert classes? Is it becoming a EMT and working on an ambulance? Or going to work in an emergency room as a tech hoping I can land the next RN job? These are all my ideas at this time, I am also pursuing other RN jobs just to get experience. My goal is to either become a ED tech or a EMT. Please help, any advice is greatly appreciated. I am sure this is the specialty I want.

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Specializes in Emergency, Telemetry, Transplant.

I'm not a manager, but I can tell you that pretty much the only way a new grad will get hired in our ER is if they did their independent study (capstone, etc.) or a summer internship in our ER. Other than that, I cannot tell you what individual NMs are looking for, and I hope you are able to find a job that appeals to you. Good luck!

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Specializes in ER, Peds, Informatics.

I'm an ED nurse and we pretty much only hire our techs or EMTs/medics/respiratory therapists that we know. It seems to be easier for them to transition to the ED nurse role. Also, it's a risk to hire someone we don't know because alot of people aren't cut out to be ER nurses. I was hired on as an experienced nurse from a different specialty, and honestly I would never want to be a new grad in an ER. Some people are cut out to come straight out of school to work in an ER, but I'm glad that I had other experience. Get your ACLS and PALS. Seek out ED managers and ask to shadow and tell them about your interest in being an ED nurse. Good luck!

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Specializes in GENERAL.
I'm an ED nurse and we pretty much only hire our techs or EMTs/medics/respiratory therapists that we know. It seems to be easier for them to transition to the ED nurse role. Also, it's a risk to hire someone we don't know because alot of people aren't cut out to be ER nurses. I was hired on as an experienced nurse from a different specialty, and honestly I would never want to be a new grad in an ER. Some people are cut out to come straight out of school to work in an ER, but I'm glad that I had other experience. Get your ACLS and PALS. Seek out ED managers and ask to shadow and tell them about your interest in being an ED nurse. Good luck!

Thank you both! I have ACLS and PALS. I will ask if I can shadow, didnt know I could do that. I am also applying for ED tech jobs.

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Kid you not--had a NM ask at a meeting, "Who are new grads? Do you have patient experience?" Answer was "no" because at school we are taught that NO we don't, not in a true RN capacity--she then goes on "So then you have no clue what a feeding tube is, what a filter line for blood is? This is going to be a long day". They seriously think we are STUPID (some do) so be patient and wait to find the NM who realize you are INEXPERIENCED not STUPID.

Posting from my phone, ease forgive my fat thumbs! :)

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Specializes in GENERAL.
Kid you not--had a NM ask at a meeting, "Who are new grads? Do you have patient experience?" Answer was "no" because at school we are taught that NO we don't, not in a true RN capacity--she then goes on "So then you have no clue what a feeding tube is, what a filter line for blood is? This is going to be a long day". They seriously think we are STUPID (some do) so be patient and wait to find the NM who realize you are INEXPERIENCED not STUPID

Posting from my phone, ease forgive my fat thumbs! :)

Thank you for posting that, puts things in perspective. Seriously that so ridiculous! Im sorry you had to endure that! Maybe its a lesson so we dont treat newer grads like that. I've had many of my nurses whom I worked with as a student that lacked critical thinking or common sense, yet they were supposed experienced nurses. Then I have also had so many nurses turn their patients over to me because I had proven myself. You are right, I want the right NM or my life will be miserable.

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Is moving an option? I can't imagine trying to find any kind of job in the Bay Area.

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Thank you for posting that, puts things in perspective. Seriously that so ridiculous! Im sorry you had to endure that! Maybe its a lesson so we dont treat newer grads like that. I've had many of my nurses whom I worked with as a student that lacked critical thinking or common sense, yet they were supposed experienced nurses. Then I have also had so many nurses turn their patients over to me because I had proven myself. You are right, I want the right NM or my life will be miserable.

When she asked us that I was in shock. No, I know what they are, I've dealt with them and if you tossed me in a situation I could figure it out--I'm not dumb, I'm a new grad, and as such I can't say that I have had patient experience! LMAO! Even with 7mo L&D and moving into ER, I'm still considered a new grad, but have MDs asking me about deliveries and such! LOL! Some people just make me shake my head and laugh!

Posting from my phone, ease forgive my fat thumbs! :)

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Specializes in GENERAL.
When she asked us that I was in shock. No, I know what they are, I've dealt with them and if you tossed me in a situation I could figure it out--I'm not dumb, I'm a new grad, and as such I can't say that I have had patient experience! LMAO! Even with 7mo L&D and moving into ER, I'm still considered a new grad, but have MDs asking me about deliveries and such! LOL! Some people just make me shake my head and laugh!

Posting from my phone, ease forgive my fat thumbs! :)

That's so awesome you are really doing it! You are working in the RN role. Congrats! And yes if you had to figure something out you would. Think of all the nurses that started out in the war etc, there was no evidence based practice, but they figured it out and we will too!

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I was in your position last year. I looked for a job for 10 months after graduated (i have some classmates that are still looking). I landed an ER position and it happened to be the easiest interview I had. I think that it had a little to do with luck and a lot to do with hard work. I made it a part time job looking for work. I finally started making phone calls to the director of every emergency department in California. I happened to speak to my now boss, set up an interview for the next week and hired on the spot. It happened like that for about 5 other people at my work but a couple of people I know weren't so lucky. We are now on a hiring freeze. I say just call, call and keep calling. Once I expanded my job search I was offered a clerical RN position and a position at a SNF but of course I took the ED position. You WILL find something. Just try to stay motivated and remember to relax and have fun once in awhile. The right job will come along. Good luck:)

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Specializes in GENERAL.

Congrats! Thank you for your story, it's encouraging to think that all my efforts will pay off. I have talked to tons of ER managers in Ca. They have my résumé and my story. I keep going at the grind. You are right something will connect, I have to wait and be patient! Thank you, that's why I love nursing so much because we have a beat for each other. .

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Specializes in GENERAL.

@35nurse

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