My Journey from ER Tech to ER Nurse

[DFWRNStudent]

Hello Everyone,

I am a Male Nursing Student attending Western Governors University's Pre-Licensure (BSN) for the Dallas, TX Jan. 2015 Co-Hort. I and the 13 other students are going to be busy for the next 2.5 years. I'm using this thread to help me document my journey from being an ER Tech to eventually becoming an ER Nurse (Trauma Clinician).

I currently work Part-Time as a Research Assistant in Emergency Medicine/Trauma and I am going to be starting a job as an ER Technician in early January of next year (a few weeks from now). Juggling full-time school and a part-time job with a prn one is not going to be an easy feat, but I know I can make it.

I have spoken to my Student Mentor at WGU and am excited to be working with her to complete my degree.

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

How exciting! I am anxious to follow you in your jpurney. If you have any questions or need help don't forget to visit the nursing student assistance forum. There are a few of us that spend a ton of time there helping!

[Nibbles1]

I'm in the Dallas area as well. Good luck!! It's not a cake walk but you have the right attitude.

[DFWRNStudent]

I had General Hospital Orientation today and it went well. I finally got to meet my immediate supervisor, the manager of the ED. I already have clinical orientation scheduled this week and department orientation next week. I'll keep everyone posted as I progress on.

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

Awesome! in school the ED manager is your mentor? Where is your instructor?

[DFWRNStudent]

I'm sorry if I confused anyone.

Esme12, this is regarding my job I got. I finally got to meet my boss, the ED manager yesterday.

I have clinical orientation scheduled with the education department at work.

For the job I was interviewed by HR and the director of the ED, but never got to meet my immediate supervisor.

[DFWRNStudent]

I finished the Hospital Clinical Orientation yesterday, and now I'm on my 4 weeks of Department orientation with an experienced PCT and/or RN. It's been an awesome journey so far and I'm excited to gain this new knowledge and experience.

[DFWRNStudent]

First two weeks of orientation are done. And they've been crazy. Every day I've been at work, there has been at least 2 cpr cases. It really gets your adrenaline rushing and I'm enjoying what I do in the ER.

[MOSmom]

Hope everything is going well with the ER. I'm sure you're busy, but may I ask how's life in the ER as a student? Are you able to balance work and studying with ought falling behind? I'm currently applying to PCT and Unit Secretary jobs (mostly and MED/SURG ER). Although I've volunteered at the hospital from my home town and went through CNA school AND am an Army Vet I am still terrified I won't find any employment, I know doing nursing Prereqs aren't exactly helping or hindering. I was hoping for Methodist or Parkland since they have a known reputation for getting you experienced. After doing 40 apps overnight (yes I'm a night owl), I received an email for a phone interview for Physicians Office Representative PRN (Baylor) the following day, not exactly what I wanted but hopefully I can get my foot in the door. Sorry for rambling, I just wanted to pick your brain for advice since you've gone through the anxiety phase.