New Grad ?

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Specializes in ED.

Good morning everybody.... I have a question that I would like to ask. I will be graduating in December with an associates and have accepted a job in the ER at a local hospital as a new grad. Please this is not a post about hiring new grads in the ER I have weighed all your pro's and con's and have made an informed decision. My question is after orientation has stopped I wouls like to further my education but I am not sure what to do first....BSN or CEN.... please let me know what you think. Thank you

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That would depend on what your short and long term goals are. CEN and BSN are two entirely different animals.

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Specializes in ED.
That would depend on what your short and long term goals are. CEN and BSN are two entirely different animals.

goal is to travel.... bsn in 5 years and msn in 10... by then it will be time for me to retire :-). But I know CEN is also important. suggestions would be great

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goal is to travel.... bsn in 5 years and msn in 10... by then it will be time for me to retire :-). But I know CEN is also important. suggestions would be great

I guess what I am curious about is that you say 5 years for a bachelors??? I am going to graduate with an associates RN, I can take my RN to BSN classes online and have my BSN in around 1 year.... I will have my masters in less than 5...so I am a little confused about the timing you mention. I too am accepting a job in a ER and am intending on traveling after about 1 - 1 1/2 years.....

Maybe you should check into other ways to get your BSN quicker as well.

Good luck

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Specializes in Med-Surg.

I think to get your CEN there's a minimum amount of experience you must have before you qualify to sit for the exam. That might help you make up your mind.

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Specializes in ED.
I guess what I am curious about is that you say 5 years for a bachelors??? I am going to graduate with an associates RN, I can take my RN to BSN classes online and have my BSN in around 1 year.... I will have my masters in less than 5...so I am a little confused about the timing you mention. I too am accepting a job in a ER and am intending on traveling after about 1 - 1 1/2 years.....

Maybe you should check into other ways to get your BSN quicker as well.

Good luck

this is just my personal timeline.. I have not even started researching

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You have to have at least a few years (2 or 3?) of emergency nursing experience before being allowed to get the CEN. I would start working on the BSN since you would be able to start that sooner.

You may find that you are very busy focusing on other things during your first year in the ED though. You will likely have to take ACLS, PALS, and TNCC. My orientation lasted 4 months in the ED, but it was very stressful for at least another 4 months before I began to feel more comfortable. So, you may just want to see how it goes before putting too much on your plate.

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I would say no matter what, get your CEN, especially if you want to travel. A BSN will get you into places that an ASN won't, but a CEN shows more of what you know and how you can apply it to your patients in your specialty. A BSN is basic common knowledge that everyone with a BSN has, but it isn't specialty specific. There is no reason why you can't work on your BSN and once you have enough hours of experience in the ER, take your CEN. If you weren't interested in a BSN at all, then I would say that getting your CEN is a must for your career.

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what is a CEN?????

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Specializes in ED.
what is a CEN?????

certified emergency nurse....

Thank you to everybody who replied. I have been in the ER as a student Intern since May and I am loving every minute of it. Never a dull moment, dont have to worry about being sent home due to low census or floating and I got the hours that I really wanted when I start in January. Now one more question if you do not mind..... after I graduate and it seems like i will starting towards my BSN while i get expierence should I do the online thing because I am intertested in travel in the furture or go to a university in my state.

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Specializes in med/surg/tele/neuro/rehab/corrections.

My personal opinion is go to a University in your state. State University will save you tons of money and you receive an excellent education. I've done lots of research for myself and this is the conclusion that I have drawn as to what I will do when the time comes.

Get online and research the costs where you live to help you make an informed decision. :)

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You have to have at least a few years (2 or 3?) of emergency nursing experience before being allowed to get the CEN. I would start working on the BSN since you would be able to start that sooner.

There is actually no minimum practice time until you are able to take your CEN. The ENA recommends that you get a couple of years experience, but no actual requirement. Theoretically you could take it the next day you get you license.

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