ACCN Emergency Dilemma

Specialties Emergency

Published

I am currently a new grad and looking for jobs anywhere but Emergency nursing is one of my dream jobs.

Do you think it would be beneficial to take the ACCN EN route while applying for jobs? If I do decide to take the ACCN, it would be through online and part time. Do you think it would be worth it to pursue even while working in Emergency if I do get hired?

How about taking extra certifications like ACLS/PALS/CTAS/TNCC?

I have heard mixed advice regarding those certs that they would be provided during my orientation/job training BUT job posts that I have applied to are saying that they prefer to have at least an ACLS certification. It is a bit expensive so I am quite torn on whether to take it or just hope for the best?

Would greatly appreciate the feedback!

(reposting this since I just saw the Emergency forum)

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Specializes in Adult and pediatric emergency and critical care.

The Emergency Nurses Association has great education, and I would go to them before the AACN. AACN provides very good education but is geared towards ICU nurses rather than the ED. While the ED sees critical patients the ED has practice issues not often seen elsewhere in the hospital (MCI, hazmat, et cetera).

Like you pointed out there are varying recommendations about what courses to take prior to applying. In order to apply to our EDs you must have ACLS and PALS to be considered. If you have ENPC or TNCC that looks great too but is not required.

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The Emergency Nurses Association has great education, and I would go to them before the AACN. AACN provides very good education but is geared towards ICU nurses rather than the ED. While the ED sees critical patients the ED has practice issues not often seen elsewhere in the hospital (MCI, hazmat, et cetera).

Like you pointed out there are varying recommendations about what courses to take prior to applying. In order to apply to our EDs you must have ACLS and PALS to be considered. If you have ENPC or TNCC that looks great too but is not required.

Thank you for responding. I will definitely try to get my ACLS at least. It is quite expensive which made me hesitant on getting it and waiting to be called for interviews is making me anxious.

How long did you study the ACLS provider manual before taking the course? I have heard some needed just a few days while other says to study the manual for at least 2 weeks for a chance of successfully passing it. I do not want to fail it especially with it being such an expensive certification!

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Specializes in ER, ICU.

ACLS is a verification not really a class. You need to know your algorithms, rhythms, and drugs very well before you go in there. We spent two months on it when I was in paramedic school. You will get the most out of it if you really learn it prior. Good luck.

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ACLS is a verification not really a class. You need to know your algorithms, rhythms, and drugs very well before you go in there. We spent two months on it when I was in paramedic school. You will get the most out of it if you really learn it prior. Good luck.

Thank you for your feedback! It really does seem like I would need to take the ACLS if ever I hope to be hired in Emerg. I did look it up more and you are indeed correct. I do like the algorithms though since it specifies the actions one must be taken depending on the rhythm then respond with either a defib/pacing/cardioversion in addition to the medications! I would definitely study hard prior to taking the class.

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Specializes in ICU.

Are you in Canada?

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