ER Tech or CNA while in Nursing School

[HBgirl]

Hello! I need some advice. I am a full-time nursing student in a BSN program and also currently work as a CNA in the float pool at an acute care hospital. I have been working as a CNA for almost a year now and the whole time currently at the same hospital. I float through out the hospital in med-surg, telemetry, pediatrics, rehab, and ER (as a patient sitter). I spend a lot of time in the ER and previously took an EMT course in the past but never pursued my license due to the low grade pay. Upon nursing school graduation and passing the NCLEX I would like to be an ER nurse. An ER tech position is soon to be opening in the ER at my hospital. I was told by some ER staff that think I should apply and really want me to apply. Will switching from an CNA to an ER tech negatively affect or hinder me? What are the pros and cons? I graduate in 14 months and am trying to set myself up for success and be one step ahead when I'm looking for a job.

[RN403, BSN, RN]

I think being an ER tech would be great. In our ER techs do IV starts, EKGs, draw labs, take vitals, etc. This would be great experience and would allow you to build connections in the ER which could lead to a job.

Best wishes.

[Jm0136]

ER tech. Duh!

[Cheripk, RN]

ER techs are still CNA's but they actually get trained to do more, I think it will be very beneficial to have ER experience and they may even hire you as a nurse when you are finished. There is also a lot of great learning experiences and things to see in the ER and I'm sure the nurses would be happy to include you when the opportunity arises to learn from patients, especially the critical patients. If anything becoming an ER tech should help you. good luck!

[SopranoKris, MSN, RN, NP]

If you want to be an ER nurse, it's a good way to get to know the staff and show them what a good job you do. That can go a long way to getting hired in to the unit.