How to transfer from med/surg to ED

[briannaxox]

Hi everyone! I am currently a PCA (patient care associate) at my local hospital. My duties as a PCA include: vital signs, accuchecks, patient care, ekg's, and whatever else comes along with being an aide in the hospital setting. I work on a cardiac/step down unit. It has always been my passion to work in the ED. However, the ED techs have more skills and requirements. ED techs are responsible for more things such as blood draws. Does anyone have any experience with moving from one part of a hospital into the ED? And if so, did you have any sort of EMT background? I am not an EMT. I am in nursing school. It is my dream to work in the ED as a nurse after I am finished school. Any advice would be appreciated! Thank you!

[Meeh619]

I'm an ER tech and I'm not an EMT. I'm a medical assistant. I also have my CNA but have never used it, I've always worked in clinics as an MA. I just got hired about 3 months ago so I'm new at it but the only difference for me is foleys, starting IV's and a whole lot of CPR, oh and fighting patients lol. I did pediatrics for 10yrs in nice calm clinics.

The other techs I work with are emt basics, one paramedic and one CNA. They sent here to EKG and phlebotomy classes.

What they did with me since Ma's get EKG and phlebotomy training they tested me on what I knew, what I didn't know they taught me with the hospital educator. Like foleys MA's don't do that or IV's. Then I got signed off during my shifts by the charge nurse.

You should ask around. That CNA that's in our ER was housekeeping before going to the ER as a tech. She asked what she needed, got her CNA worked upstairs then used the hospital tuition assistance to get certified in EKG and phlebotomy & the hospital taught her the rest. At least you have some medical background. You'll probably need EKG and phlebotomy. Look into what your hospital hires in the ER, you'll be surprised I was when they hired me with only MA experience. Most hospitals here only hire military medics, emts or CNA's with 3yrs ER experience.

I worked with medics on base but as an MA.

Hope this helps good luck!!