career ladder to ER

amzyRN · Jan 20, 2016

You will have a steeper learning curve without the tele experience; but it doesn't mean you won't be successful. I am a tele nurse and want to transfer to ED. Even though I have 3 years experience I am nervous about it. The smartest nurses I have known who went to the ED told me the pace was hard to adjust to. If you got a long orientation that went over the cardiac stuff, I don't think it should be an issue.

emtb2rn, BSN, RN, EMT-B · Jan 20, 2016

You want to be in the ed? Apply & move. Don't wait. Your learning curve will not be longer without tele experience. We do a lot more than just cardiac. Come to the darkside. We're more funner.

Jrhemming · Jan 21, 2016

Just jump in. I just graduated in December had 2 interviews for ER's before I even graduated. Got hired the day after I got my license early this month. I'm sure it depends where you are but if you really want it go for it. I don't know a lot but I'm passionate about learning and ready for the challenge ahead. I think I conveyed that well in my interviews and I got hired.

Editorial Team / Moderator · Jan 21, 2016

We're more funner.

Lol, I almost snorked my coffee! And I agree with your post.

bgxyrnf, MSN, RN · Jan 31, 2016

The ED is a tough place to prep for because nobody really sees what we see.

If you've got the basics of nursing down then move as soon as you're able.

Various resources that I recommend:

Sheehy's Manual of Emergency Care (Sheehy's Manual of Emergency Care, 7e (Newberry, Sheehy's Manual of Emergency Care): 9780323078276: Medicine & Health Science Books @ Amazon.com)

Emergency Nursing Procedures (Emergency Nursing Procedures, 4th Edition: 9781416040989: Medicine & Health Science Books @ Amazon.com)

Essentials of Critical Care Nursing (Essentials of Critical Care Nursing: A Holistic Approach: 9781609136932: Medicine & Health Science Books @ Amazon.com)

ACLS/PALS

TNCC

ATCN

ABLS

ENPC

NRP

STABLE

dannythegreat07 · Feb 1, 2016

The ED is a tough place to prep for because nobody really sees what we see.
If you've got the basics of nursing down then move as soon as you're able.
Various resources that I recommend:
Sheehy's Manual of Emergency Care (Sheehy's Manual of Emergency Care, 7e (Newberry, Sheehy's Manual of Emergency Care): 9780323078276: Medicine & Health Science Books @ Amazon.com)
Emergency Nursing Procedures (Emergency Nursing Procedures, 4th Edition: 9781416040989: Medicine & Health Science Books @ Amazon.com)
Essentials of Critical Care Nursing (Essentials of Critical Care Nursing: A Holistic Approach: 9781609136932: Medicine & Health Science Books @ Amazon.com)
ACLS/PALS
TNCC
ATCN
ABLS
ENPC
NRP
STABLE

This.. The ED is a very unique area in that you really do not know what will come through the front door or EMS bay. Anything from a sore throat to a stroke.. Have a good fundamental nursing background and have confidence in yourself and your skills and the rest will flow.. I started ED straight out of school and loved it.. Good luck!

SororAKS, ADN, RN · Feb 1, 2016

Make the move and apply! The resources above are a very good place to start. Additionally, consider BTLS/ATLS certifications and see if you can get ride time with EMS in your orientation to get a feel for the special conditions and environment of prehospital care. I also took paramedic training while working in the ER, and had ICU experience. It made the switch a little easier.

evolvingrn, BSN, RN · Feb 1, 2016

No sure that's a career ladder but just go for it.

bgxyrnf, MSN, RN · Feb 2, 2016

Make the move and apply! The resources above are a very good place to start. Additionally, consider BTLS/ATLS certifications

Point of correction: ATLS is a certification for physicians through the American College of Surgeons. In parallel, nurses can be certified through the Society of Trauma Nurses and receive the ATCN certification. The classes are taught in parallel with the lecture being docs and nurses together and then separate skills breakouts targeting the two disciplines.

Roy Fokker, BSN, RN · Feb 2, 2016

"i want to be prepared for the ER"

I've been an ER nurse for years and I can tell you with supreme confidence - "there ain't no such thing as being prepared for the ER." :-)

As others have mentioned here, just jump right in.

You don't need any certifications (other than your BLS. ACLS/PALS will help. ATLS would be a boost if you're applying to a Level I Trauma Center). You DO need confidence and an eagerness to learn.

cheers,