Becoming a CEN as a new grad?

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Hoping to get some feedback here. I am a new graduate RN and I can not find any work in southern CA. I feel like I am just another applicant among countless others. I have been looking into taking the exam to become a Certified Emergency Nurse. Without any experience, how difficult would this be? Experience is not a requirement, yet a recommendation. Can I pass this test just by studying and preparing? I am hoping a certification will help me stand out when applying, thanks!

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If it helps you get a job, go for it. I think that if you can study and pass the test, the experience will bring you the greatest rewards.

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Specializes in Geriatrics, Adult Psych, Peds HH.

Maybe you're setting your sights too high. I am located in the Chicagoland area and the demand for nurses in "bottom of the totem pole" places, i.e., long term care, etc., is quite high.

You have to put in the time to start getting the call backs for higher end jobs. Start out in long term care or a doctors office, or something you really don't "want" to do. Employers are able to be a lot more picky these days, and a new grad with zero experience....certified or not...isn't going to cut it. This goes for any field. If you're majoring in say, culinary arts, you can't expect to be an executive chef right out of school. You have to start at the bottom and work your way up. Same goes for nursing.

Good luck!

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Specializes in ED, ICU, PACU.

Don't think the CEN without the experience will help you get the job. Joining the ENA would probably do you better when looking for an ER job because it will demonstrate an genuine interest in that specialty. Try to go to chapter meetings and make your face known. It wouldn't hurt to show up to at the ED where some of those nurses work (the ones that you meet at the chapter meetings) and find the back door approach to landing a job in the ER.

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Specializes in ED, ICU, PSYCH, PP, CEN.

Aside from the cost in taking the CEN, there is absolutely no reason to not take it. Studying for it will be valuable information that you can use in any nursing job. If you flunk the test, then study some more and take it again.

All you've got to lose is a few dollars. I know several people who are really smart and passed it right out of school, with very little studying. Quit procrastinating and go do it.

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Hey I'm a new grad too in Miami, taking CEN test on Tuesday, for same exact reasons... I also recommend all the ENA and AHA classes you can take. As others said you are going to learn more by studying for it and that is especially important as you will forget if you don't keep learning while job hunting.

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Thanks. What studying material or resources do you recommend in preparation for this test?

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I'll tell u Tuesday if I recommend them or not.

I used the Jeff Solheim videos from MedSeminars and the ENA test book.

I also read an EKG book, took PALS, ACLS, TNCC.

I did work as an EMT and ER Tech for a year each before nursing school all of which help.

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I passed so I def recommend it all.

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Thats great. Congratulations. I ordered the ENA test book. How much time would you say you studied?

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Well, did u join ENA? B/c u get a discount.

I studied for about 1 month (I took PALS, ACLS, TNCC during that month which took 6 days out of the month and my family visited which took up 10 days (I did read an EKG book during those 10 days). Plus the previous month I studied for NCLEX so there was some crossover.

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Oh yeah also look into applying early because there are limited testing dates so if u wait till ur ready u may have to wait another 2+ weeks.

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