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Discussion

Career Advice

OK everyone,

I am new to this so if this already exisist sorry. But I am looking for career advice. What types of classes and certifications do I want to make me more marketable as an ED nurse. I have PALS, ACLS I know a little about TNCC and am getting sent to TNS. And of course there is the CEN. But what else is there and what else do I want to take. I guess my question is that there doesn't seem to be this master list that says if you want to be an ED nurse take these classes and certifications. Help and Oh so confused.

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There is no "master list" because it depends on where you work. I've been with the same hospital for 11yrs and the requirements change every 2 or 3 years. The only requirement is that you be an RN. The other departmental requirements will be provided when you get the job and will most likely be paid for by the hospital. Some of the certifications you mentioned (TNCC), aren't required until you've been in the ER for a year or longer. To be honest with you, if I were interviewing an RN who had no ER experience but had TNCC, CEN etc, it wouldn't mean much. Anyone can study, read the book and pass the test,..that doesn't make you an ER nurse. I look for good assessment skills and the ability to think fast and multi task. Honestly, 2 years on a busy med/surg floor is worth way more than all these certifications that mean absolutely nothing without the experience to use that knowledge.

Get your basic experience under your belt, then start applying to where you want to work,.the rest will come.

Best of luck.

Our hospital only requires your RN and ACLS all other certs are required within the first year of employment. I agree with the response that experience is more valuable than certs...

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I gather you live in IL since you mention TNS - trauma nurse specialist. I agree with others: being an RN is the only initial requirement. Most ER nurses have ACLS, PALS/ENPC, TNCC, TNS and CEN is really a nice cert to have also.

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