Medsurg to ED

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Hi! Need some advise. Ive been a medsurg RN for 12years now. And I want some fresh start we’re moving to california from florida because of my hubby’s work, so I plan to apply for a job in ca. My question is how do I transition from med surg Rn to ED RN? I would like to be an emergency nurse but all I see in job searches requires experience. Any insights?

thank you!

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Specializes in ER/trauma, IV, CEN.

I live on the east coast, so I don't know how relevant my advice is for CA. It can be difficult to get into ER sometimes without ER experience. However, I have had many coworkers at my hospital transfer from med-surg to the ER. Maybe if you can get yourself established at a facility and then once you make some connections do an internal transfer. Having connections is what landed me in the ER as a new grad.

Also, generally speaking not all jobs that *require* experience actually require experience. It doesn't hurt to apply anyway, I would consider a nurse with 12 years experience in acute care to be advantageous over a new graduate in the ER.

Best of luck to you!

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Thank you I appreciate your answer! Will submit my applications as an er nurse and lets see how it goes! Thanks again!

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Specializes in ICU/community health/school nursing.

If you scan this group you'll see a lot of recommendations to make yourself more hireable (other than your years of experience, your immaculate ability to multitask, etc.) I can't remember off the top of my head but ACLS and PALS may help as well as exploring some kind of trauma certification. It would also pay to look around at the hospitals in the areas where you're landing. You may want to land in a particular area if there are hospitals hiring ED nurses. Also... there are also specialties that would lead well into ED (telemetry comes to mind) if an ED spot isn't open.

Best of luck. New state, new career!

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I recently made that transition, and I'll admit it was rough at times, but honestly one of the best decisions I've made! One thing I would think to spotlight, is how your assessment skills are probably at this point phenomenal from all the years of doing full head to toes, making it easier quickly identify "bad" and do quick focused assessments because you at least have that part down pat! Another area that definitely helped me, was that now I have a "speciality area" that several other ED nurses don't. I worked on cardiac/pulm, so I'm comfortable with trachs/vents/bagging/ekgs. Albeit most ED nurses are great at EKGs, they loathe trachs/vents. I would also look to see what level trauma center they are, I feel a level II or III would be more comfortable hiring an experienced nurse without ED experience. Don't be completely put off by Level I's though, they might prefer an experienced nurse over a new grad. Either way, good luck!

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On 2/17/2019 at 1:20 AM, lmdr1088 said:

I recently made that transition, and I'll admit it was rough at times, but honestly one of the best decisions I've made! One thing I would think to spotlight, is how your assessment skills are probably at this point phenomenal from all the years of doing full head to toes, making it easier quickly identify "bad" and do quick focused assessments because you at least have that part down pat! Another area that definitely helped me, was that now I have a "speciality area" that several other ED nurses don't. I worked on cardiac/pulm, so I'm comfortable with trachs/vents/bagging/ekgs. Albeit most ED nurses are great at EKGs, they loathe trachs/vents. I would also look to see what level trauma center they are, I feel a level II or III would be more comfortable hiring an experienced nurse without ED experience. Don't be completely put off by Level I's though, they might prefer an experienced nurse over a new grad. Either way, good luck!

Thank you so much! you gave me much confidence needed! I truly truly appreciate your reply!

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I went from progressive care to ER - my ER doesn't have a trauma level but we are a comprehensive stroke center and fully accredited chest pain center. I was hired with only one year previous RN experience (no ER experience). Worked out for me! You have an amazing amount of knowledge packed in your brain - 12 years is a lot of experience! I'm sure you will easily get hired in an ER!

I always have many questions but as long as you have a good team it is totally fine! You will learn a ton but it can be hard because any ER is CRAZY BUSY!! Usually it is 4 its at a time and each one has all these orders to be done. At times it can be hard to get help because everyone else is swamped. I am go go go for literally the entire 12 hrs so be prepared for that. I also rarely get lunch breaks. Maybe that is just our ER? I'm not sure. A lot of ERs, as I'm coming to find out more, are short staffed. It is an AWESOME learning experience but if possible maybe try to talk to people that work in the ER you apply to! Hope this helps

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I moved to ER after 3.5 years on our Medical floor.

Just apply and sell yourself. Then have a great time in your new department.

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