I Would Like Your 6 Cents

[Ocelot]

I'm sure a repeat question but here goes! I'm finishing my first semester of nursing school and need some advice. I haven't "worked" in a hospital have been doing clinical work during school. I know you guys have heard this from several people but I have my heart set :heartbeat on Emergency nursing. I've had some rotations through areas already and keep getting this idea affirmed over and over. The areas I've been in the, nurses just appear to hate what they are doing and really discourage people from going into nursing.

I know some people that work in emergency care and they LOVE it! No discouragement... I know the "med-surg route" is suggested but my sister-in-law was on that floor in one of the large hospitals near me and frankly she was treated like an animal. I almost came unglued on the nurse taking care of her...and I PROMISE I'm not being a "critical" nursing student. It was an ugly situation.

Advice.... What I would LIKE to do is write to a local hospital and ask for a job as a nursing assistant in the ER. (All they can do is say no.) Explain that I'm a nursing student and I would really like to work in the ER after graduation. I could then work into a nurse extern position when I'm eligible and be training and becoming familiar with the ER. There are no positions open online that is why I thought of contacting the HR directly... Graduation comes and I'm familiar with my environment and they don't have to worry about me being uncomfortable.... Does this sound COMPLETELY unreasonable with my lack of experience. I'm 43 years old and I'm willing to do what it takes. But I don't want to do too much either.

Any advice will be so appreciated.....please be gentle as well....I'm also a rookie "greenhorn" student.

I posted this in another area...I'd really like some advice...thanks so much for your time everyone.

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

Does not sound crazy at all. Sounds more like career planning. I recommend you look up the hospitals online to see if they have online applications. If not, then call HR. I would not write them as it may not get to the right person. I would ask about jobs for which you are available RIGHT NOW and when you get an interview tell them you really want to work in ER after graduation. Even if you get a job now as a unit clerk on a med surg unit you would be learning protocols, how to transcribe orders, the pecking order for that facility and how the unit interacts with ER. You can transfer after graduation. Don't pin all your hopes to one job right now - you want a prn position till you graduate so you can be off for tests, etc.Good luck!

[ohmeowzer RN, RN]

gosh i wish i had 6 cents..lol,,, but i can give 2 cents , classic dame is exactly right i agree with her 100% !! i think you are smart to start thinking ahead !! please keep us posted !!

[Flightline, BSN, RN]

I think you should do exactly as you plan, only I think you should visit the HR office in person. Make sure they know that that is the hospital you want to work in, and theirs is the ER you have your heart set on.

Good luck.

[Havin' A Party!, ASN, RN]

Hi, O. Had that same plan several years ago.

Couldn't score the tech job in a nearby facility, so took a spot in med / surg which also provided multiple opps to fill-in in other units... ED, ICU, telemetry, psych... basically every unit except maternity.

After my first year in school, I scored the summer nurse extern spot in the ED, based on grades, prior work experience, and relationships established in the med / surg position. Loved it! Had a blast.

Upon graduation (cum laude), applied for an ED nurse opening, but was denied, based on management's insistence on a year of professional experience.

Thereafter, left the facility and secured an RN job in ICU, and lost interest in the ED.

Subsequently, moved into case management, and later management at a LTC, both of which I totally enjoyed.

Point of story: Have a plan but be flexible / open-minded. One of the beauties of nursing is the tremendous variety of opportunities available.