New grads/ER

Belle2013 · Aug 2, 2013

I think you're experience as a LVN is definitely going to help you. I would suggest getting ACLS certified, join the ENA and maybe AACN organizations as a student, and volunteering as much as possible to build up your résumé. You can volunteer at free clinics, marathons, community events, etc. you could also contact the ER you hope to work at and ask about volunteer positions they may have or even paid tech positions. Definitely get in touch with the nurse manager when you are about 6 months out from graduation. I think that is a big help! Good luck to you!

LakeEmerald · Aug 2, 2013

At my nursing school the top performers got to choose what area they wanted to precept in last semester. I chose ER, precepted there, and got hired with NO medical experience. You can apply to the hospital you precept at or get a reference from your preceptor to apply at another ER. Your experience will help.

Guests · Aug 2, 2013

New grads are hired into the ED but there are generally many, many applicants for very few positions.

Your experience should help you stand out but it will ultimately come down to the quality of your references, your grades, your resume, and your interviewing skills.

WAheartnurse · Aug 4, 2013

Our hospital will not hire new grads- we don't have a new grad training program. They require about 2 years experience in a hospital (preferably our hospital) and a cardiac/step down unit experience is very helpful. When I was looking to get to the ED I was told that first they hire RNs with ED experience, if not then RNs with ICU experience, if not then nurses with float experience (they have worked with all kinds of patients and are used to adapting to change).

On the other hand, some EDs in WA have a ED training program for new grads- they look for those with paramedic/EMT/ER tech experience. It is very competitive.

Good luck!

caRNkimmie · Aug 5, 2013

Hi everyone,
Got a question.
I am almost 21, i have been an LPN for 2 years and i have worked in a doctor's office and now i am charge for 11-7 in an assisted living facility.
I just got into RN school and will graduate next may.
I am really really interested in ER..are new grads w the experience i have typically hired? What is looked for/preferred experience wise to work in the ER?
Thanks for any input :)

Hey Laurie!

I'm a new grad that was recently hired into an ER. Before my getting the job I was already certified in ACLS, PALS, NRP & 12-Lead Interpretation. I joined ENA and AACN. I've been told the certifications aren't necessary to get hired, but that it does show that you are motivated. I had no paid hospital experience, I didn't precept in the ER. The advice I was given about getting hired was that managers wanted someone that was passionate about their hospital/department/specialty, someone that would be a "good fit", outgoing, thrived in a fast-paced environment, someone that wouldn't hesitate to respond during an emergent situation & multi-tasked effectively.

My advice for getting hired: try to connect with hiring managers, connect with nurse recruiting or human resources, volunteer (preferably in an ER), let everyone know that ER is your goal. You never know who can help you, and in my experience the student that seemed most passionate about a particular department got the preceptorship placement they wanted. I wouldn't have gotten my job without the help of nurse recruiting. I was hired into a new grad program where the hospital decides what department to place you in. I was selected for the ER because I made it obvious in my interview that emergency nursing was something I was enthusiastic about. I hope some of this helps, and good luck to you!