New Grad desires to work in ED

LG1137 · Sep 13, 2013

I pulled it off a year ago, and there were other new grads hired with me. The ED manager has since told me, "It's not like there are Certified Emergency Nurses walking in looking for work," and he has to hire new grads. My advice is emphasize that you are an EMT-B; I was surprised at how much value they placed on that in my interview, while I was focusing on other accomplishments I've had. Oh, and make personal contact with the department manager before or when you apply; you need to set yourself apart that way.

JustPeachyRN · Sep 13, 2013

New grad here, graduated in December and started out working in ED right away. I had the opportunity to complete a student preceptorship through my school in the same ED I accepted a position for, which I'm convinced helped me significantly during application process. I knew this ED was where I wanted to work, so I made sure I did everything I could to 'prove my worth' while there as a student and made a point to connect with the current staff in the department.

If it's possible for you to connect somehow to other employees and management in that department, maybe by shadowing, an internship, or other means, I think that would be great. I think your EMT-B certification is a definite advantage (I came in fresh out of RN school with only a year of experience as a patient care tech floating mostly around med-surg and critical care departments in a different hospital, never to the ED). Best of luck! My managers have commented that they don't necessarily see hiring a new grad RN as a 'bad' or 'risky' move. What they explained to me is that they could hire a nurse with experience from other departments who just wont thrive in the ED, or can take in a new grad who appears to have an aptitude for the ED and help mold them into a great nurse. It just depends. It takes a special kind of person to be a great ED nurse, but I think there are many different versions of that 'special person' that will do well in the ED.

Eldrad · Sep 13, 2013

I've heard of it happening and have worked with people who have done it and are amazing er nurses. Ive worked at 3 different hospitals and they would not hire new grads to the ed. Depending on where you live and what hospitals are around you may have to work on a floor for 6-12 months then transition. The only way to find out is to call the nurse recruiter and or manager