classes, certifications, etc... please help.

medic978 · Mar 11, 2015

Generally those are the big ones some also want TNCC (trauma) and ENPC (Peds emergency course) then things such as CEN and CCRN as you get more experience I want to get both CEN and CCRN I just need more experience first

medic978 · Mar 11, 2015

Oh and BLS

zmansc, ASN, RN · Mar 11, 2015

Prepare yourself for what, the interview or to be an ER RN? Don't worry about doing additional things to be ready to be an ED RN, you are not going to learn to be an ED RN until your facility trains you to be an ED RN. Floor nursing will not train you, nor will OR nursing, anymore than being an ED RN would train you to be a Floor/ICU/OR/Whatever RN. Each has some overlap, but none is fully like the other.

What you can do is prepare for your interview. First step in that regard is to research what facilities have programs for bringing new grad RNs into their ED. Typically you want to find one that is going to have the best training program during your initial period and seems to understand that they are going to be putting an investment into you and thus you are willing to invest in them by making a commitment to work there for several years. At the same time, make sure you have top notch references. Keep working at your facility, discuss with your bosses your desires and plans and see if they would be willing to be good references for you. If they value you and want you in their facility, they will try to make that happen.

Also I would suggest you determine which is more important to you, starting out in an ED vs some other position in the hospital or staying in your current location? You will find that the broader your search the more likely you are to meet other criteria, but it is very often a tradeoff. I have yet to find the perfect job, with the highest salary, best training/support, etc within walking distance of my house.

As for preparing to be an ED RN, do your best in school, pass the NCLEX, find the job, and let them train you. Work hard and be receptive to learning from your new peers, help out whenever possible and latch on to those co-workers who you click with and are willing to teach you. When your at work make notes of subjects you want to research later, and then study them in your off time. Make yourself available for classes whenever possible, they will open your mind to other ideas. Learn from your mistakes, and don't let yourself get too high or too low, no one is perfect.

Good Luck with whatever you find and decide.

rnkatie85 · Mar 19, 2015

well said zmansc!

I started in the ER fresh out of nursing school. I worked as a tech in the same ER while I was in school, which was a bonus because I already knew the staff and felt comfortable with them. The one thing my mother (also an ER nurse) always told me is nursing is mostly on the job training. You can make great grades in nursing school, but your first day on the job you will most likely have the "duh, what" face, which I think everyone has!!

As far as TNCC and ENPC goes, I personally would wait until you have worked in the ER for a while before you take those certifications. It helps to have some experience under your belt before you jump into those classes. They are only 2 days and it is a TON of information to process. I have been a nurse for 4 years now, I took my TNCC last year and just recently took ENPC.

Go into your first day knowing that you won't have all the answers, and that is OK!! Trust you seasoned nurses, not all of them like orienting or teaching new people, but there are some that thrive on it! When you don't know the answer ASK or better yet look it up and then ask (I find that when I have to search for the answer it sticks with me a little better)

Lastly, like zmansc said, make sure where ever you end up they have a good orientation for new grads. And don't be afraid to tell your boss if you are not ready when your orientation is supposed to be complete!

Good Luck!!

applesxoranges, BSN, RN · Mar 20, 2015

It can go either way. Most will certify you if they want to hire you. That can be a savings in hundreds for you. If you do choose to get your own certification, make sure it is the American Heart Association class and not a class based on the American Heart Association standards. A lot of online pals and ACLS will do "based on the standards of American Heart Association." I think all ACLS and PALS that are AHA require a skills portion that is done in person. I do not know if they offer the online class for PALS and ACLS. BLS there is an online class but you have to go in person to get your skills checked off. BLS is the big thing.

Also, a lot of people expect a lot out of PALS and ACLS.

EmergencyRN22 · Mar 21, 2015

Other than Bls - most hospitals will pay for other certifications they require for their dept.

ER, I'm sure you're aware of, is crazy at times. Good assessment skills, time management and being able appropriately delegate tasks to support staff is important.

Dont be afraid to speak up for your patients. Simple, "hey, I have a new asthmatic in room 4. His lungs are tight, wheezing and working a little bit. His pulse ox was a little low even with 2l. May I start him on a duoneb until you can see him".