ER NP's help!

I transferred from an RN in a 68 bed Level I trauma ED, to an NP in a rural critical access hospital ED with 8 rooms. I split my time between the ED and the UC in the same rural town. I already had , BLS, ACLS, TNCC, PALS, ENPC and my CEN as an RN. An 18 month training period side by side with your collaborator is fabulous! My contract includes $1500/yr for education and/or professional resources (not enough, but doesn't include required certs which are paid by the hospital). This is where it gets a little fuzzy on what is required for an NP vs RN vs Dr. I recently had to recert for BLS, my ACLS is still valid, the Doc's don't have to take BLS. I was told to let my TNCC expire, as I am now required to have ATLS, so are the doc's. The reason it gets fuzzy is that in my hospital group, the NP's are still under the umbrella of nursing. I am a medical staff member so I am expected to stay current with all the same certs required for the ED docs, and many of the certs are redundant ie TNCC/ATLS.

If you have no ED experience as an RN, TNCC would be helpful, get the book. The most helpful thing is to learn all your protocols! ie Stroke, MI, Trauma etc as these will vary greatly depending on your available resources. My protocols from the Level I trauma center to the rural ED are way different.

Best of luck to you! I am loving the new role!