ER job?

Some things to consider. Consider shelling out for PALS and ACLS already. It can be around 600 for both classes, but it is one less thing they have to do with you. I don't think ACLS or PALS is difficult (rather easy in my opinion) but I am a paramedic. My first ER manager was impressed that I had those certs along with ITLS. I don't think you actually need to be a healthcare provider a the moment to take ITLS and it cost me about 40-60 bucks for the class, but that may have been some wicked deal I had because my paramedic instructor taught the class. It was a 2 day class and I borrowed the book for free from the rival healthcare system that put it on.

Someone suggested joining the ACCN and ENA associations too and I did (it's about 50 as a student for each membership).

I would also see if your school offers a critical care elective. They have quite a bit of information.

I would not be upset if you do not get it right away. Everyone wants to become an ER nurse it seems like so you will also be competing with people who did not go to your school. If you do not get it right away, look at it as a chance to hone some of your initial skills. One complaint a lot of the older nurses who went straight to the ER complain about is that they cannot stand floor nursing whereas if they had did a bit of it before, they would have been able to do both.

Another option, which I don't know if you will have the time, is to volunteer with your local EMS agency if they take volunteers. However, that would involve getting another cert/license with a test and you really don't have much time before school starts up again.

I would be more concerned about the people you do not know about. I would assume you are not the only nursing school within a 2 hour radius and some people will be willing to move to get a spot in the ER.

Also, do you already work in the ER?

Some things to consider. Consider shelling out for PALS and ACLS already. It can be around 600 for both classes, but it is one less thing they have to do with you. I don't think ACLS or PALS is difficult (rather easy in my opinion) but I am a paramedic. My first ER manager was impressed that I had those certs along with ITLS. I don't think you actually need to be a healthcare provider a the moment to take ITLS and it cost me about 40-60 bucks for the class, but that may have been some wicked deal I had because my paramedic instructor taught the class. It was a 2 day class and I borrowed the book for free from the rival healthcare system that put it on.

Someone suggested joining the ACCN and ENA associations too and I did (it's about 50 as a student for each membership).

I would also see if your school offers a critical care elective. They have quite a bit of information.

I would not be upset if you do not get it right away. Everyone wants to become an ER nurse it seems like so you will also be competing with people who did not go to your school. If you do not get it right away, look at it as a chance to hone some of your initial skills. One complaint a lot of the older nurses who went straight to the ER complain about is that they cannot stand floor nursing whereas if they had did a bit of it before, they would have been able to do both.

Another option, which I don't know if you will have the time, is to volunteer with your local EMS agency if they take volunteers. However, that would involve getting another cert/license with a test and you really don't have much time before school starts up again.

I would be more concerned about the people you do not know about. I would assume you are not the only nursing school within a 2 hour radius and some people will be willing to move to get a spot in the ER.

Also, do you already work in the ER?

No. I have applied 3 different times for jobs there. I applied for a NA job while I was still in my internship last year. I had an interview but they said they wanted someone who could be there more than a year (even though they still have had openings for this same position a few times since). I also e-mailed the director regarding a unit clerk position that wAs open in March (& there is another one). He said it wouldn't pay to apply when I'd have to have like 2 months of training (I wouldn't) and then take my NCLEX in January. I am planning on taking my PALS course and my PEARS course this fall. If I can get the money I will also be taking a first responder course in October and joining my city's volunteer team.