New grad certifications for ED

Specialties Emergency

Published

I am a new grad. Should I focus on obtaining any special certificates before applying for a position in the ED? If yes, which ones would be beneficial? Thank you.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

ACLS, PALS, BLS.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

^Those are the basics. A hospital will typically offer those as well and they are usually free to staff, so don't break the bank - start with BLS, which is typically 100% required.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Adult and pediatric emergency and critical care.

We don't hire unless you already have BLS, ACLS, and PALS. Upon hire we will orient for several weeks to months and pay for NIHSS, TNCC, and ENPC. If we have an applicant from an internal adult or pediatric critical care unit then we only will require that resuscitation certification to apply but the other must be completed very quickly.

We consider those to be very basic and the least investment someone can make if they are interested in critical care. Our ICU, PICU, and NICU also require ACLS, PALS, and NRP respectively in order to apply.

Certainly different EDs will have various requirements and I would look around in your area, but if you are applying to EDs that offer specialty services (Peds EDs, academic hospitals, drug development programs, et cetera) you more than likely will need basic resuscitation certifications before you apply. EDs that are very large and leave new grads in low acuity units or smaller community hospitals are more likely to not require this when they hire.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

As a former Redcross BLS/CPR/WFA instructor trainer and current nursing student, dont you need to have BLS to maintain your license!?!

Our nursing school requires it even for students.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.
As a former Redcross BLS/CPR/WFA instructor trainer and current nursing student, dont you need to have BLS to maintain your license!?!

Our nursing school requires it even for students.

Not typically, no. Some states don't even require continuing education to maintain an RN license.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Nurses aren't required to be CPR certified in some states....wait.....what?!?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.
Nurses aren't required to be CPR certified in some states....wait.....what?!?

No. Many jobs require it, but it is not required to be an RN.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment