Clinic Nurse to ER

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Specializes in Ambulatory care.

I am a clinic nurse with about 2 yrs experience with CDE certification. Currently I do a mix of case management, triage in clinic adults and peds, phone triage, shots, and many many patient teachings. In the clinic we see the same patients so get to know their personal stories and medical history. Its an awesome feeling to see a patient's eyes light up when they realized that insulin isn't a punishment but just that we're giving the pancreas a bit of help, education, support and soon A1c drops from >14% to 6.4%. Ok the hours are awesome as well day shift and weekends / holidays off.

So its not that I hate my job or anything just that I feel that ED pace, and variety is a better fit and I miss the hands on work I had as a student and ED volunteer.

I want to work in the ED mainly because I loved the fast pace, unpredictable nature, and variety of patients that walk through the door. As a former ED volunteer I've seen how crazy the ED can be as well as the tight knit it can be and I want that.

What recommendations do you have for me ?

How can i get my foot in the door ?

Thank you,

Inori

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At my small community hospital they take newer nurses without ED experience. Plus you are familiar with the environment so I would highlight that. Of course getting certifications like ACLS, PALS, TNCC would look good on a resume.

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Specializes in Ambulatory care.

Dear margaret1439,

Thank you for your info I'll be looking into those certifications and community hospitals. Its just that here inner city EDs want 1-2 yrs ED experience or acute hospital exp before they will hire and well its catch 22 how do i get exp if no one hires it.

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Specializes in ambulatory.

I am in the same boat as you are Inori. I have worked in a clinic for over 2 years. Unfortunately that was the only job I could get straight out of Nursing school. I have recently applied for inpatient/ floor positions and haven't had any luck. They all say I lack experience. I am wondering the same thing....how can I get experience if no one will give experience.

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