Can new grads work in the ER?

[AC123TX]

I am about to start nursing school and I cannot seem to find any information about what I can do post-grad. What will be my options once I graduate with a BSN?

Will I be able to go straight into working in the ER, or do I need experience?

[AC123TX]

I am a manager of a Level I Trauma Center ED and we have a New Graduate Academy, it is 6 months of training both bedside and classwork and when you come out of it you are ready to work in a Level I Trauma Center, in this process you pick up all the certifications required, such has ACLS, TNCC, etc....

There is a contract you sign, but it isn't as long as you would think. We have run the academy 3 or 4 times now and it as really turned out some excellent nurses!!

I am really interested in what you do- I have worked in ERs for a few years and my favorite department by far working was in a Level I! Can you elaborate more on your position and what experience/credentials are needed?

I know I may change my mind later- but a girl can dream!

[AC123TX]

Wow, I worked as a nurse apprentice in an ED that had a trauma center. I am also about to start a New graduate program in an ED. I remember being soooo facinated by trauma nursing. The teamwork you guys display is amazing :). I think that is wonderful they have a program like that! I want to get my TNCC, CEN, and CCRN in the near future!

What is a nurse apprentice exactly... and where do I sign up? haha

[LaughingRN]

Newer grad here :) I took a clinic job for 10 months and landed my first hospital job just recently.

Level 1 ER, 4 months orientation, classroom learning and certificates included...

Not very far in, but it is definitely possible!

[AC123TX]

That sounds really exciting! What made you interested in ER? Can you compare and contrast it to your other clinical rotations?

[hiddencatRN, BSN, RN]

I was hired as a new grad in to the ED. Just over 4 months of orientation. It didn't really include an organized classroom component but my preceptor was fantastic.