Er Nursing

bamagt · Oct 10, 2008

I'm in nursing school now and the best thing I ever did was start working at a hospital in the ER. It didn't take alot for me to get the job because I knew some people but if you can get a job in the ER now and at least see how you like it. It's definetly not for everyone.

I'm not sure how everything works up there in Illinois but down here in Alabama you don't necessarily have to work on a med/surg unit at all before you come to the ER. We just hired about 5 new grads a couple of months ago and once I'm done with school I'm going straight to the ER as well, I may even work at a level 1 trauma center.

becky5438 · Oct 10, 2008

What did you do in the ER before you were done with school? I don't mean to be nosy, I just don't have any medical background so I don't know that I could get a job at a hospital.

loricatus · Oct 10, 2008

Hi, I'm a pre nursing student,hopefully starting the program next august. I would really like to be an ER nurse, that is my ultimate goal. I was wondering, once I am registered to nurse, how long will I have to do general med/surg nursing before I can try to move to ER. What kind of certifications will I need to become an ER nurse. Any input in general on ER nursing and the steps to get there.
Thanks, becky

Becky,

You do not have to do med-surg first. Many hospitals offer new grad programs where you are trained in the ER directly. I never did agree with some of the older nurses who say that you need med-surg first. If the ER is where you want to be, you will be miserable doing med-surg. So much so, that you could consider yourseld a failure and hate every minute of your work.

You do not need anything more than BLS to start a new grad ER program. Eventually you will need ACLS and most likely, PALS. The board certification for ER nurses is the CEN, which you have to take a test for. TNCC is also good to have; but, usually not a requirement.

You might be interested in joining the ENA (emergency nurses association). They give a reduced rate to students and, looks good on a resume in trying to land that ER internship after school, since membership can show that you have a true interest in the specialty. Also, the ENA has wonderful resources for it's members. Here's a link to their website http://www.ena.org/

BTW: Happy Emergency Nurses Week

bamagt · Oct 10, 2008

What did you do in the ER before you were done with school? I don't mean to be nosy, I just don't have any medical background so I don't know that I could get a job at a hospital.

I'm not out of school yet, I still work as a tech in the ER. Right now I can draw blood, do EKG's, do splints, CPR, assist doctors (popping hips back in place and stuff) and I unfortunately have to do alot of transporting but it is the best place to get experience for a nursing student I don't care what anyone says!

I had zero experience when I first started and I am so lucky that I got this job or I would be an idiot in school!

Go for it!

CRNATOB · Oct 10, 2008

Just go for it!

GilaRRT · Oct 10, 2008

Give it some time. You have to worry about nursing school first. You may even have a change of mind after you nursing school experiences. However, many facilities will hire new grads without medical/surgical experience.

There are no national standards or specific credentials or certifications required for entry into emergency nursing. (Other than a current license and perhaps BLS credentials.) You will most likely be required to take several courses once you start working in the ER. Your first year as a nurse will be full of learning experiences regardless of your specialty.

loricatus · Oct 11, 2008

Coniecturalem Artem Esse Medicinam.

So true, so very true!