How much training and work in other areas did it take you to get a job as an ER nurse?

[laschai]

I am starting work towards my BSN this fall, and as of now I want to be an ER/trauma nurse. This may change if I discover I actually can't handle that much blood (though I think I can), but that's the plan right now. When I looked into how you get a job as an ER/trauma nurse, it seemed you can't get that position as an entry-level nurse. Instead, it seems you have to work in other areas to gain experience, and sometimes work for extra certifications. How long did you have to work in other areas, and how much certification work and training did you have to do, before you were able to get a job as an ER/trauma nurse? I'm very willing to work longer to achieve this position, I just want to be informed about what it usually entails. Thank you in advance for your answers, I appreciate it!

[Cat365]

My first nursing job was ER. I intended to start on a Med-surg floor but a traveler told me that if I wanted to work ER go for it. That it was easier to go from ER to Med-surg than Med-surg to ER. I applied and was hired.

[pockunit, ADN, RN]

I worked a year in community health out of school, then started as a med-surg float at a small hospital, moved to a bigger hospital (same organization) as MS float, then took a turn with Mother-Child. All of it has been helpful in the ER, from educating people on STIs, dealing with heart failure, to helping a woman through a miscarriage. ANY experience you get can be applied in the ER.