Can you be an er nurse with an assoc. Degree?

[ksm84]

Hi all, just a quick question. I'm in nursing school now, and I realize I have a few semesters to figure out what kind of unit I want to work in (and also realize when push comes to shove and it's time to get a job I might not have a choice), but I have been interested in the er lately.. I've been reading on here too and think it's a unit I'd really be interested in. I love the idea of seeing different things each shift. My question is can you be an RN in the er with an associates degree or is a bachelors necessary?Also, I have some healthcare experience (I was a medical assistant for 3 years), but was also planning on getting a job my second semester; which would help more, getting a cna job or getting an emt license/job? Just wondering which is more beneficial for the er. Any tips/input would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you!

[sunshine1216]

Absolutely you can! Some states though require an ER nurse to have 1 year of experience on a med/surg floor.

[mkjh]

Yep you can. How about a nurse tech job in an ER?

[VICEDRN, BSN, RN]

I would say that in some places, it is impractical to expect to have an ADN and work in the ER due to increased competitiveness in areas of specialization such as ER, ICU and L&D. I would ask around and find out what local ERs are actually hiring. If the ads say, BSN preferred then chances are good they are getting BSNs in those spots given the current economic/workforce situation.

Your mileage may vary but I think you should look into it.

[mo2rn, BSN, RN]

Yes you can, however i know for New York you need 1yr Rn experience or most hospitals will hire new grads in the ED fellowship which lasts 1yr.That is very competitive but it is possible to get in.

[Helena Handbasket]

You can but if you want to compete in today's and tomorrow's job market, get that BSN.

[vanburbian]

Yes, you can.

Sincerely, ED RN with Associates Degree :)

[mwboswell]

I just wanted to be clear I understand you...some "states" require 1 year of experience? Can you give a reference for that?

Thanks.

-Mark Boswell

FNP-BC, CEN, CFRN, CTRN, CPEN, NREMT-P

"Support CEN Certification and your ENA"

[happyinillinois]

Yes you can. What would really help you is to get an ER tech job, so that the manager knows you and how hard you work.

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

Absolutely you can! Some states though require an ER nurse to have 1 year of experience on a med/surg floor.

I know of no states that state the requirements to individual area specialties.

To the OP......ADN/ASN, BSN makes an RN. A RN is a RN......the job market being tight the preference is going to the BSN but if you are smart and make good grades the jobs are going to the best and brightest. Until the nursing profession itself decides on one educational level for entry this argument will continue as it has since before I became a nurse in 1979. I think you should eventually get your BSN. But be the best at what you do and you'll be fine. I agree that you should get a tech/aide job in an ED to give you an edge....good luck!

[Robublind]

Tech Job, although hard to get, also look into a unit secr in the ER. But no you don't need a BSN. Most ERs want Med/surg experience. If you are picking a school..go for the BSN, it opens more doors. In CA, the state doesn't require a year of medsurg (its up to the hosp)....I think Tinkerbell been using too much pixie dust./

[soxgirl2008]

At the hospital I work at I'd say at least half if not more have their ADN. It really depends in what area of the country you live...Some areas are more competitive than others and are more likely to hire BSNs but in other areas it doesn't seem to matter as much.

I'd say the most important thing is trying to get an ER tech job. A lot of the nurses I know that got a job in the ER straight out of school had some time of CNA/tech job before they graduated. I even know of a girl who got hired at a major trauma unit in a magnet hospital with an ADN who beat out BSN candidates because she had been an er tech for a couple of years.