Community Health to ED Nursing?

Nurses General Nursing

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I will have one year of nursing experience come June. I currently working in community health, which is also what I did prior to obtaining my nursing license. My role in the clinic includes triaging patients and assisting in procedures (including EKGs, catheterizations, neb treatments, wound care, etc.) and managing the care of the occasional emergent patient who walks in the door (e.g. respiratory distress, severe burns, HELLP syndrome) until EMS arrives.

I know that the emergency department is very competitive, and typically requires experience in the ICU or at least a Med/Surg unit. I'm curious if there's any crossover between community health nursing and the ED. From what I've seen (in clinicals), the ED is 90% what I do in the clinic (cough/cold/minor injuries) and 10% fast-paced, highly skilled critical care.

I have my ACLS/PALS cert and am looking into TNCC. I enjoy my job but am just curious if I do someday want a change of pace if it would be feasible to apply straight to the ED or if I would need to pay my dues in Med/Surg first.

Thanks!

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

See if the hospital offers ED training programs for experienced nurses. Some of those programs require m/s or critical care experience, but I know a few people without that experience get hired.

You could also consider taking a ED training class. Yes, you would have to pay out of pocket for it (though it may be a tax write-off, check with your tax laws). But such classes usually have a preceptorship involved, which would give you a first-hand experience at what ED nursing is like, as well as let you network.

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