ER Travel with an ADN

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Hello AN community,

I am an associates prepared RN with a total of three years of nursing experience (two of which were in neuro stepdown and one year in a Level I trauma ER). I am strongly considering ER travel nursing. ER has become my new passion and I don't see myself ever going back to the floor.

That being said, does anyone know if ER travel nurses with associates degrees run into any problems as far as not getting contracts due to not having their BSN? I've heard through the nursing grapevine from travelers that have come through my own ER that having only an ADN will not be an issue. My primary interests are in traveling to places like NYC, California, and Chicago. I realize these are some lofty goals, I just want to know if it's just a pipe dream or really possible that I can go to these cool places!

Thanks in advance, y'all! :)

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

I am honestly not sure, but one thing that might have more weight in the ER than a BSN is the CEN board cert. As an ER person, I care more about someone having their CEN than a BSN. Have you thought about the CEN at all?

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Thanks for replying. Yes actually, obtaining my CEN has been on my mind lately. I also feel like it would bolster my chances. I have ACLS, PALS, TNCC, NIHSS, and ABLS (advanced burn life support) under my belt so far, but I understand these are the very basic expectations of an ER nurse (maybe not necessarily the ABLS).

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.
Thanks for replying. Yes actually, obtaining my CEN has been on my mind lately. I also feel like it would bolster my chances. I have ACLS, PALS, TNCC, NIHSS, and ABLS (advanced burn life support) under my belt so far, but I understand these are the very basic expectations of an ER nurse (maybe not necessarily the ABLS).

If you're going anywhere that sees kids, I suggest the ENPC course as well. ABLS is excellent, I have always been current in that one since 2009 and find it is very valuable when you do get those bad burns if you do not work in a facility with a burn unit!

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Specializes in Adult and pediatric emergency and critical care.

You may have problems finding travel assignments, we only allow nurses who have a BSN as well as ACLS, PALS, ENPC, and TNCC to travel to our ED. We actually don't require travel nurses to have NIHSS since they will never be alone nor give TPA in our facility.

It may also be a regional thing, I would think that travel agencies would have the best idea of what will help get contracts. They don't get paid unless you are in a contract somewhere so I don't think they would have a lot of incentive to lie.

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