New Grad - What To Do for ER Dream?

[Shann_RN]

Hello!

I passed my NCLEX in August after completing an ADN Program and I am currently working toward my BSN. I am trying to navigate life as a new nurse and the job hunt has been frustrating so far. New graduate programs are very competitive, especially without a BSN, and regular staff nurse positions typically require 1 year of RN experience.

My goal is to become an ER nurse, so does anybody have any recommendations on different avenues in acute care that I could take that would help me to make it to the ER? I have heard that surgery centers and ambulance services will hire new grads which are both interesting to me. But can anybody think of other units or urgent care opportunities that might be a good fit?

Thanks so much!

[JKL33]

1 hour ago, ShanDaly94 said:

I am trying to navigate life as a new nurse and the job hunt has been frustrating so far.

What kind of experiences have you had with the job hunt? Have you not been receiving calls after applying or have you received rejections or ?

Curious what it is like in your area. Also what kinds of positions have you applied to?

 

[rickys614]

Hey Shan can only share my experience. I do have a BSN so take what I say with a grain of salt, but I was told experience in telemetry or trauma surgery could help to get the foot in the door.

(As a sidenote for anyone reading without healthcare experience an ER nurse manager told me they had success with candidates without healthcare experience who had experience in the service industry)

I eventually got a residency in the ER. However, I did not do work in tele or trauma surgery. I worked as a tech on an ICU unit during nursing school. Initially, I spent a lot of time applying to new grad ER residencies in my home state. Almost always got to the interview, but was never selected. 

An out-of-state recruiter reached out to me on a job networking site like LinkedIn. I told them I was only interested in the ER. The recruiter set me up with an interview and I ended up being offered an ER new grad nurse residency.

I don't know if this will be applicable or desirable for you. But, I've heard some have had better luck looking at out-of-state nursing programs. That has been my experience. Hope that helps.