Greetings

kaycee · Nov 14, 2002

No special license to work in a trauma center but in the ER you will need ACLS(advanced cardiac life supprt), PALS(advanced pediatric life support), ATLS(advanced trauma life support) and there are othersl like CATN(course in advanced trauma nursing) and TNCC(trauma nurse core course) but that's the basics. These things you can be working on while you are employed as an ER nurse usually. Some trauma centers don't like to hire new grads in the ER but with the nursing shortage they may. Make sure they have a good orientation program and critical care course.

Be prepared to be well into your 40's by the time you finish with

nursing school, med school and your residency. This isn't unheard of but ER is very demanding and it's harder when you get older. I'm not discouraging you though, if that's what you want to do go for it. The Emergency Nurse Association has a website that may give you info. http://www.ena.org

Hope this helps, welcome to this board and good luck in your endeavors!!!

RN always, BSN, RN · Nov 14, 2002

Don't know anything about emergency nursing. Just wanted to say welcome and the best of luck to you............you can do it!

Danuttmahn · Nov 14, 2002

Hello Kaycee and RN always, thank you for the responses! I have heard the same thing from everyone about Trauma centers and ERs not hiring new grads. But I am determined to get in somewhere! As for me being in school till I am in my forties I already knew that before I started this career change, so I am already prepared for that. I am already getting the "boy are you a slow learner?" questions from people in my CNA course because I am an older student. But I seem to be the only one in the class with a perfect score! Anyway, thanks again and I will definitely be posting as time passes. Take care and be well all! Barry

neneRN, BSN, RN · Nov 15, 2002

Check with your local hospital about hiring new grads into the ER. I work in a very busy Level II Trauma Center, and was hired as a new grad. In the last year and a half, we've hired 5 new grads.

I can't imagine working anywhere but the ER, I really do love going to work each day.

My hospital requires ER nurses to have ACLS within one year of hire, and TNCC within two years if part of the trauma team. Our pedi ER is separate, so don't need PALS.

If ER is where you want to work, try to get a tech position in the ER whiole in nursing school-a good way to get your foot in the door. Good luck and welcome!

Hidi74 · Nov 15, 2002

I am also going to school to achieve my second career. Good luck!!!! Its fun, scary, challenging and alot more. I wish you well!!!!!!

P.S. welcome to Allnurses, you will find a wealth of support and information here.:kiss

Danuttmahn · Nov 16, 2002

Hello neneRN and Hidi74, thank you for your replies. Thank you for the information neneRN, I am about four weeks away from getting my CNA license and I have been told by a few people that I should be able to get into the local trauma center. Hidi74 I agree with you that it is fun, scary and challenging. Thanks again to all who replied! Take care and be well, Barry.

RNFROG3, BSN, RN · Dec 17, 2002

Our ED hires new grads and thank God for them. I am thrilled you are seeking your dreams i only hope and wish is that once you've experienced nursing you won't want to be a DOC. Nursing is action and joy and and so much more. I hope you have the best instuctors who instill in you a real love for this profession. No we don't make the most money but we make so much more happen. If you chose to go on be an ER doc you'll be such a great asset, having been there done that! Whatever happens -Goodluck!

silverheart · Dec 17, 2002

Welcome and Good Luck!

I started nursing school when I was 23 and I was "over the hill"

then. (14 yrs. ago) So don't sweat that.

We have a family practice doctor that was a RN prior to med. school. I consider ourselves lucky to have her. It definitely helps having a doctor that REALLY understands the nursing side of things.

Just keep focused on your dream and you'll make it. One step at a time.

Good Luck,

Silver

2banurse · Dec 17, 2002

Originally posted by silverheart
Welcome and Good Luck!
I started nursing school when I was 23 and I was "over the hill"
then. (14 yrs. ago) So don't sweat that.
We have a family practice doctor that was a RN prior to med. school. I consider ourselves lucky to have her. It definitely helps having a doctor that REALLY understands the nursing side of things.
Just keep focused on your dream and you'll make it. One step at a time.

Good Luck,
Silver

Silverheart, please don''t say "over the hill," today's my 38th birthday and I'm only working on my prereqs!!!!

I just saw the trauma yesterday where the MD was an RN first, and I think that is great...remember, no matter whether you go further for your education or not, years down the road you will still be the same age.

Kris

Danuttmahn · Dec 21, 2002

Hello RNFROG3, silverheart and 2banurse. Thank you for the info and support. One thing though, I have been really busy finishing up this CNA course and I take my final on the 24th (my christmas gift I guess). I have some bad news though, please don't stone me or disband me from your BB. I want to become an EM MD but I am going to take a slightly different approach. I will be starting a RRT course this coming spring instead of RN school. There are many reasons for this decision and if you're interested in why I made this choice I would be happy to share that info with you. I will still be participating in this BB (if you guys let me) but as an ally as opposed to a colleague. I am told that as a RT I will still have exposure to trauma and the ER. Thanks again for all the information and merry christmas and happy new year to all. Speak with you all soon, till then take care.

New CCU RN · Dec 21, 2002

I just wanted to wish you luck with your changes!!!! I understand how you feel.... I am a pretty much new RN grad, but am starting to feel that medicine is what I really want to go for.... we will see though. Right now I am working on my prereq's and planning for the MCAT's, etc. If it doesn't pan out I am considering the CRNA route as well.

Anyhow, I just wanted to wish you tons of luck.... when will you be starting RT school? Happy holidays as well :)