what should i do to get emergency experience?

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so I am currently taking my pre-req's for nursing school and I am a cna at a hospital. I want to be a ER nurse when i graduate and being in the ER is my goal. i am trying to work my way down that way to become a ER tech but I don't have any emergency experience. i have only been a cna for three months and worked really hard to even get into the hospital. i don't feel ready to be in the ER yet but want to know what kind of stuff i can do to prepare myself for the next step? I considered taking a quarter off from school to get my EMT-B but my mom said that was a waste of time. so what should i do?

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While I was in nursing school I became a nurse assistant at my local ER. Once I became a nurse the would not hire a brand new nurse. Therefore I had to work on my tele floor. I stayed on tele to get my experience for almost 3 years. They would've taken me back in the ER sooner but I stayed on tele. I am now back in the ER as an RN. Since you work at the hospital already that's a great step. Try to discuss your wants with the ER manager. To prepare yourself for the next step do your research on oxygenation, normal vitals, and CPR. If you want to be a critical care nurse you need to just take a leap and talk to the manager about getting some sort of role in the ER to get your foot in the department.

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thank you. can I ask what credentials did you have to get into the ER

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I am about to start working in the ER as a new grad. If you have evaluated your strengths and personality and generally just know that the ER is where you really want to be I would suggest aiming for it actively. Take your resume with you when you have clinical in the ER, go to association meetings and talk to those who work in the ER irregardless of what position they hold to get more information. Do your research so you can ask better questions during your conversations. I am an BSN, RN, BLS. Doubt I would have had to be done with my BSN yet. Need to get my ACLS before my start date but had 2 week notice on that.

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Most certifications that you will need are not available until after you become a full nurse. However some things you can do now is phlebotomy certification, FEMA Self Study Certifications ICS 100c, ICS 700b., EMT-B., CDC also has some online CE courses that may be helpful.

You can also talk to ED Director at your hospital and see if you can attend there in house training

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Specializes in ER.

Get your EMT, phlebotomy. EMT will help but the skills our ER looks for in techs are the following:

IV skill gota be on point, including US guided IV's.

Know how to do an EKG.

Know how to participate in a code.

Learn the equipment, u can do this online.

Once you have all this...then talk to your ER director, otherwise it will be tough.

Now if you are in RN school, don't worry about any of this and just get your license and apply only to ER's, you will get in.

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