Getting assigned to the ED

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I'm in a position to start a RN/BSN program next month. I've got all the prereqs from a previous B.S. degree and have spent most of my working years as a police officer, and I'm still in law enforcement. I've also worked off and on, in a part-time basis, as a paramedic.

That said, I've been exposed to nurses in a wide variety of work setting particularly back in medic school. I'm interested in being an emergency nurse, but I can't envision myself working in another area. Would you think based on the above work history that I would be hired as a nurse in the emergency department? I realize it's putting the cart before the horse, but I'd hate to finish and be pushed into a rehab position or something (no offense to anyone) just because I'm the new guy.

I've been a supervisor (have hired and fired) and know what I'd do in the above situation, but I don't know if hospital supervisors necessarily think the same way I do.

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Oh, yeah, you sound like you'd be a great ER nurse. Former law enforcement? Former paramedic? Trust me, they'll be drooling over you.

It's ironic you should bring up rehab because I've done both and I liked rehab and I hated ER.

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Specializes in NICU.

You won't be "pushed" into anything; you apply for the jobs that you'd like to get. Hopefully the economy will be better by the time you graduate and you'll have lots of choices :)

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Specializes in ER, Trauma.

In places I've looked, ER nurses are in demand. I can't get the recuiters to stop calling me. Paramedic experience is a big plus since you must have ACLS, emergency assesment skills, IV and airway skills. You're way ahead of the game. Of course, your mileage may vary. Good luck.

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Specializes in ER, Trauma.

But, no matter how much they deserve it, shooting patients is frowned on.

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But, no matter how much they deserve it, shooting patients is frowned on.

Which is why I hated the ER!

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How would admin feel about me bringing my TASER? ;)

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Oh, bring it. Just tell them it's a new-fangled way to cardiovert the more annoying patients.

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Heck, I could introduce it as a relaxation method. Sure, the five seconds are mind blowing pain, but the after effects are pretty nice. I came out feeling loose bodied and clear minded, lol.

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Heck, I could introduce it as a relaxation method. Sure, the five seconds are mind blowing pain, but the after effects are pretty nice. I came out feeling loose bodied and clear minded, lol.

Okay, I just have to ask. Did you pee yourself? Obviously, you don't have to answer. Except if you don't, we know you did.

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Okay, I just have to ask. Did you pee yourself? Obviously, you don't have to answer. Except if you don't, we know you did.

Ha. No, I don't know of anyone who has actually done that. It's the whole "I know somebody who knows somebody that did" thing, but I've never seen anyone evacuate.

I have however seen an officer soil himself from coughing really hard after having his pepper spray blown back in his face by a stout wind. He still hasn't lived that down. One doesn't typically see the police driving lights and sirens TO the station. :p

I just felt sorry for whoever drove his car after shift change.

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Ha. No, I don't know of anyone who has actually done that. It's the whole "I know somebody who knows somebody that did" thing, but I've never seen anyone evacuate.

I have however seen an officer soil himself from coughing really hard after having his pepper spray blown back in his face by a stout wind. He still hasn't lived that down. One doesn't typically see the police driving lights and sirens TO the station. :p

I just felt sorry for whoever drove his car after shift change.

lol!!!

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