Likelihood of a new grad getting an ER job?

LV3677 · Mar 29, 2015

I think ICU experience would serve you better as a CRNA if that's really your goal. It is my understanding that CRNA programs prefer RN's from ICU because of the complexity of patients that you have. I'm not saying that ER doesn't have that- more that ER is "treat 'em and street 'em"/ stabilize to best of ability and admit. ICU requires looking at the big picture (airway, breathing, circulation) while keeping in mind the details and anticipating potential problems. I would recommend looking into ICU residency programs if possible- that way you get guided experience and get to work with internists and other CRNA's.

To get into an ER, my understanding is that being a tech or EMT is the way to go, like others have said. While doing your practicum, get to know the staff and the coordinator, drop off your resume when you're finished.

Aliareza, BSN · Mar 29, 2015

Hmm, then you really don't have plenty of time. What I'd do in your case is have your burning passion out on your sleeve from the very beginning, and network like a fiend. You really can't afford to take a whole year to do med surg, but maybe if you found a hospital that needed ICU people and let internal transfers happen after six months, you could find a way in sooner AND still get your nursing feet wet. Hell, what I'd do now is put my feet to the street and go to the ICU of every hospital nearby enough for you to work there and start applying as a tech/aide. Working as an aide in ICU can really show you what to expect, thus lessening the stress of being a new grad there And increasing the chances you'd actually be hired as one.

In the meanwhile, learn everything about critical care that you can. There is a CC section here chock full of ICU nurses who have helped other posters make the transition into ICU, and there's tons of literature about it. Get the books they recommend, and study your orifice off from the very beginning! ICU is a whole different beast, especially depending on the acuity of the ICU you'd be working in. The hospital that has hired me (not for ICU -- I'm starting out med surg) only has a level 3 trauma rating, so our ICU patients are of course critical but likely nowhere near as complex as the ones a level 1 trauma center would deal with on a regular basis.

SquishyRN, BSN, RN · Mar 29, 2015

Hmm, then you really don't have plenty of time.

Don't know why the OP wouldn't have plenty of time. Based on OP's other posts, they've just been accepted to nursing school and hasn't even started yet. While it's good that the OP is formulating a long term plan, they need to get through fundamentals before diving into all the ICU stuff just yet

bigdreams01 · Mar 29, 2015

Don't know why the OP wouldn't have plenty of time. Based on OP's other posts, they've just been accepted to nursing school and hasn't even started yet. While it's good that the OP is formulating a long term plan, they need to get through fundamentals before diving into all the ICU stuff just yet

Yup! I got accepted into nursing schools and will be graduating in 2019 or 2020 if I take Drexel's extended co-op plan (which I might do anyway because it includes ICU internships that are helpful for my long term plan)

But I really don't mind going through the CRNA route with a doctorate. I would probably end up electively taking a doctorate program anyway because I'd hate to be the only new CRNA grad with a masters degree.

I know it sounds like I'm jumping the gun by focusing on how to get into CRNA school instead of focusing on getting my BSN, but I'm just making sure my plan is feasible...

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · Mar 30, 2015

OP.....I'm going to go a little differently on the "you're jumping the gun" theme: If I've read your messages correctly, you still have another five months before you even START nursing school. Then five years in school, then NCLEX. So at bare minimum, we're talking 5 1/2 years before you'll be eligible to work as an RN.

Much can happen in that time (and usually does!). Sometimes the best-laid, most thought-out plans and strategies go up in a poof of smoke when an unexpected monkey wrench gets tossed in. Many times it's unforseeable, and out of your control.

My personal suggestion is to simply get through school, ace it, actually, so that you would be well-positioned to find both employment and later graduate school placement. Anything other than just working on that, IMHO, is quite premature.

Good luck!