New grad in the ED? Please advise!

[gshear]

I've always dreamed about being an ED nurse and even was placed in a busy level 1 trauma center ED for my senior practicum. I thrived- had an amazing experience and learned so much. I did hear about burnout etc. and noticed a little bit how the ICU or floor nurses kind of have a little bit of... tension (don't know if thats the right word, maybe lack of appreciation for how the ED is a very different environment?). Anyway, there is a new grad opening in this ED. My fear is that if I decide in 5 years that I want something a little slower paced- with no floor experience will I be able to get a job anywhere else. I currently work as a student nurse extern in a PCU, enjoy the unit and have an interview scheduled there as well. I can also appreciate that things work much differently on the 2 units, priorities are very different... I know I want to be in the emergency department, but would it be smarter to spend a few years in the PCU or on a floor first? Anyone with experience in this situation or just with advice in general? Thanks!

[Loo17]

I work in an emergency department. If I decided I wanted to leave the department I would not anticipate having trouble landing a job in an department. We see all types of patients. I would apply for all the jobs that interest you and hope to get your number one choice.

[RunBabyRN]

ED is a great place to be. You see a very diverse population, you have to learn to think on your feet, you are constantly dealing with unanticipated situations that need to be dealt with right away. It's acute care experience, which seems to be everything these days.

[scaredsilly, BSN, RN]

Apply for both. IF you are offered both, take the ED job because it is what you really want. You may not have to make the decision (although I hope you do!), but don't limit yourself by only applying for one of them.

If you want to leave ED in the future, you should not have any trouble at all getting in somewhere else, you will be experienced with almost everything!

[iPink, BSN, RN]

I agree to apply for both and if offered a position, go with ER because that is your first choice. If you choose to leave later on, you'll be fine transferring to another unit/specialty. The experience you'll receive in ER will be beneficial wherever you go.

I started in PCU when I was a new grad and received a ton of experience. Although we were known as the cardiac floor, we certainly were a multisystem unit. I saw a lot and learned a lot. That experience opened up many avenues I could take. So, in the event you don't get the ER position, the PCU unit will be just as great to build a foundation. Then maybe you could transfer to ER after a year's experience. But, I'm rooting for you to get your first choice.

Good luck!