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

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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!

Our ER is high turnover and hires no experience ASN new grads. Depends on if they like you. Helps if you did your clinicals there.

ASN: best in clinical. BSN: shuffles paper really, really well. MSN: knows how to attend meetings.

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Thank you all so much for your responses! I will def try and get a tech job in an er, if I can find one. Hopefully that will help. I'm just gonna do the best I can in school and clinicals and try to get my foot in the door somewhere. Ok, well, back to studying!

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Specializes in Emergency, Case Management, Informatics.

ER ADN checking in. Yes, you can do it.

I highly doubt that any state has specific legislature in place mandating a BSN for ED or any other specialty. Hospitals and organizations mandate experience requirements. States only mandate educational requirements for the license itself.

A BSN will not make you a better ED nurse, but it will make you more marketable.

Good luck.

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Specializes in ED.

I got a job out of an ADN school in the ED, but I also did my practicum there.

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Specializes in Emergency & Trauma/Adult ICU.
Absolutely you can! Some states though require an ER nurse to have 1 year of experience on a med/surg floor.

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.

Can either of you provide a link or citation to your state's nurse practice act which outlines this "state" requirement?

Or are you trying to say that requiring experience is simply the habit or normal practice of hospitals with which you are familiar?

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Specializes in ER/EHR Trainer.

Was a tech...

Was an ASN....

Now a BSN.....

Soon to be MSN.....

You can start in the ER as an ASN and be perfectly fine-you are an RN! While I agree the ASN is better at the tasks and hands on, it is important to continue your education. There is a lot going on with critical care concepts, autonomy and relationships. You will learn it as you go, but it will be easier the more you know. Before I get flamed by everyone else....just want to point out, many ER functions that are performed by nursing now were only done by physician/residents in the past. In other countries, they still are! For you oldies....you learned as you went.....that is why you are the best of the bunch!!!! You guys know everything!

Maisy

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Specializes in ER/Trauma.

Here's a few thoughts from my perspective as a quote-unquote BSN::

1. As long as you're confident in your nursing knowledge and skills - welcome to the club!! You are A NURSE! I underlined it to emphasize THE point! :)

2. Most of my colleagues in the ED are ASNs.

3. Since it was brought up a couple times during this thread, I felt I should respond: Altra has it completely right!

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

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.

Can either of you provide a link or citation to your state's nurse practice act which outlines this "state" requirement?

Or are you trying to say that requiring experience is simply the habit or normal practice of hospitals with which you are familiar?

New grads:: Stop being intimidated by signs saying "1 year experience required", "2 years Step Down Unit experience required" or "XYZ classification required" etc.

APPLY ANYWAY!

What do you have to lose???!!!

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Just want you folks to know that as an ADN grad, I got into ER as a NEW GRAD. I had 1 year work experience as an LPN during my last year of nursing school, and did my preceptorship in ER. What I showed was maturity, a positive attitude, a willingness to work any shift, excellent grades and references. I stressed that I was looking for an opportunity. Followed up my interview with a written thank you letter and included a list of references. Followed up again with an email. So it can be done! What I think is more important than a BSN is certification in areas needed in the ER. EKG, ACLS, PALS, ECRN, TNCC, TNS etc.

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Specializes in Infectious Disease, Neuro, Research.
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!

CNA is probably more convenient for you; EMT (for ED hiring) is more marketable. I would say scrounge around for a tech job in the ED. By the end of second semester, you can challenge the LPN/LVN exam in many states, or just hire in(now) as an AUA/Tech.

If you show you aren't afraid to jump in & get your hands dirty during clinicals, it goes a long way.

Good luck!:cool:

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Specializes in Emergency Room.

You sure can. Been doing is for 1 1/2 yrs and I love it. Go for it!

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Specializes in ED.

Associate's degree - new grad - workin' in a very busy ED! I had to sign a paper stating I would get my BSN within 4 years or be terminated.

I did ACLS and PALS on my own while still in school and an IV Therapy class on my own too, that all looked nice on my resume and gave me confidence in what I was getting myself into. Also made good grades and participated in activities in nursing school that showed I was a team player. I was asked about all the things on my resume during my interviews.

In week 12 of my orientation now. Humbled by how slow and klutzy I can be but I can tell I am going to love this job once I get my groove on.

I have to say though that my hospital has a really long and comprehensive orientation: 6 months. I am so grateful for that. I am planning on starting my RN-BSN in January or Summer of next year.

Peace.

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Specializes in Emergency.

Absolutely!

I have an ADN (2007 Grad) and got hired in an ER in August. I will say I was not a new grad and my prior experience was telemetry and stepdown, so I had a good foundation to jump off from. I REALLY wanted to go right into ER as a new nurse, but I listened to more experienced nurses that I know and went into cardiac to get a good working knowledge without the chaos of the ER. I am very glad I did that because I know new grads in the ER internship program that our hospital has that are really struggling because they do not have the "real world" experience that a nurse who has worked for a few years on a floor has. Don't get me wrong, I do not want to scare you, but you need to really look at yourself and your experience. If you want to do it right out of school, taks an ER Tech course and work as an ER Tech to get the groove of the ER while you are in school. Most techs I know who went through nursing school get hired in an ER as a nurse.

Good luck!

Amy

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