Need some job advice from experienced RN's

[studentnurse50]

I just graduated from an ADN program and will be taking the NCLEX-RN the first week in February. Clinical experiences were typical, the majority of the time in med/surg and out rotations to pediatrics, OB/L&D, ER, mental health etc. At the end of the program, we were required to spend 120 hours in preceptorship. The preceptorship was designed to help the transition from student to staff nurse. My preceptorship was in the emergency room of a very busy hospital. I loved it there and felt at home. Med/surg is the opposite for me-not a good place for me. Anyway, my question for the experienced nurses on the forum, is is feasible for me to be a new nurse, and seek a RN position in an ER? Wisdom, comments, advise and suggestions are greatly appreciated. Is it essential to "put in 2-3 years" on med/surg before moving to the ER? BTW: I am BLS, PALS and ACLS certified. Thanks for your consideration and time.

[Nurse SMS, MSN, RN]

There are hospitals that have internships for new graduate nurses in the ER. Obviously these are very coveted positions and securing one is highly competitive. You will want to watch your local hospital to see if they post one and then apply. However, they are few and far between....our local inner city hospital had 10 slots for an ER internship this fall and recieved over 1000 applications. I wish you the best of luck.

Med-Surg may not be where you want to be, but it won't hurt you in the long run if ER is your goal and finding a position there is difficult.