Getting Hired into the Emergency Department

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Specializes in ICU.

Hello,

I'm a new grad in California and I'm very grateful to have been offered two new grad positions. The first on is in Cardiovascular ICU and the other is in ED. My passion lies in ED and I'm not sure which position to take. I plan on moving to New York City once I get my one year of experience and I would like to know if it's easier to get a job into the ED with one year of CVICU or ED experience? Does it even matter? Do you think one would be a better ED nurse with some ICU experience under their belt?

Thanks.

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Specializes in ED, ICU, PACU.

If you work the one year in the ER you should be ready to take the CEN exam and would then certainly be considered an experienced ER nurse-basically eligible for most ER jobs.

If you go the ICU route, you would have to find an ER fellowship or training program to accept you; and, some in NY are a year long programs. This limits the places you can work.

I went the ICU to ER route and found that invaluable. However, it isn't necessary. With the economy the way it is, and your desire to be in the ER, consider going straight to the ER because you would be more marketable as a seasoned ER nurse than as one who would require training.

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Specializes in ICU.

Do I need to pass the CEN exam in order to work in any NY ER department?

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Specializes in ED, ICU, PACU.
Do I need to pass the CEN exam in order to work in any NY ER department?

Sorry for not being clearer. No, you don't have to have your CEN to work there; but, it does make you more marketable and most places will give you a differential for it. The best time, IMO, to take it is when all the information is fresh (about your one year mark). With the way things are nowadays, you need to have some sort of an edge to get the job-that's why I mentioned the CEN. Also, if you have a chance to get TNCC, take it. Those two certifications are the gold standard for ER nurses.

(BTW, CEN is certified emergency nurse, board certification for emergency nurses. TNCC is Trauma Nurse Core Curriculum. The Emergency Nurses Association has more information http://www.ena.org I do recommend joining the association for the information you will receive and the discounts.)

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