Is it possible to move from surgery to ER

[RNShenanigator]

So a little background, I worked in an ambulatory surgery center doing minor procedures, mostly hands, podiatry, and endo for a little under 2 years. The place was in serious finacial trouble and I was looking to branch out and by luck was able to gain a position at the local hospital in surgery. after being there for 9 months now I know it is not for me. I realized a few months in that I wasn't really happy with the position but had hoped as time went on I would learn to like it. The training wasn't all that great and I was left on my own sooner than I thought I was ready. I feel like most of my job consists of charting, hooking up machines and going to get supplies that are needed. I am not trying to belittle surgical nursing in any way, it is an important job, just not enough patient contact for me.

I miss talking to patients, I miss doing assessments, going over medication lists, discharge teaching, finding out about what made them sick, caused the injury, etc. I never really get to talk to my patients except for finding out the last time they ate or drank, etc.

I have always wanted to work in the ED and but sort of fell into surgery after completing my AA degree and the surgery center allowed me to finish my BSN.

I am not really sure how happy my boss would be if I approached her about transferring and I am somewhat afraid of losing my job in the process. Do any of you have any suggestions on the best way to transition into the ED. Things that might give me a leg up? Would it help to gain some type of certification and then apply?

[LakeEmerald]

Find a friend in the ED that will allow you to shadow her without pay for a few hours just to see what it's like. In the process, make sure she/he introduces you to your director or clinical coordinator. If you express a healthy curiosity for the ED and do not diss the OR (not saying you would), perhaps the managers would consider you for PRN work. At our facility, they are not allowed to "steal" you from another department, so they won't call you to offer you a job, but they may agree to cross train you for PRN work, then it will be an easy transition in.

I've seen it done this way a couple of times with success. Best wishes!

Wanted to add: You aren't being paid for shadowing, so, you truly are a shadow, not a nurse, during the shadow period.