New LVN grad nervous about ER interview!

[Calixan]

Hello Everyone,

I am currently a LVN student graduating next month. I am very VERY intrested in working in the ER. I have applied at two different hospitals for ER positions and one I actually had an interview with about 2 weeks ago. I haven't heard anything back from them, but another student in my class was offered the job so I guess that's good. I applied at this second hospital a week ago and it's a Level I ER so I'm a bit nervous about interviewing with them, especially since I wasn't offered the position at the other ER. One reason it worries me so much is the first ER I interviewed with was at a smaller hospital and probably a Level III ER, so it was more relaxed, not so busy, and during my interview I was told they only have 2 RN's on staff there and 1 LVN, so from that you can tell it's a small department. At this Level I ER I think LVN's mainly work as Techs, but I am not sure what exactly Tech's do. I know they can start IV's, help in code situations, transport patients, etc. Does anyone work as a Tech that can give me a more thorough description and what do you and don't you like about your job? Also, I'm almost positive during my interview they are going to ask "why do you want to work in the ER?" and I don't want to give the universal nursing answer of "because I love to help people and the ER is diverse and exciting". I have NO ER experience at all and that universal answer is my main reason for wanting to be there. Not knowing what the day will be like when you go to work is exciting to me, having no idea what to expect. What are some reasons you wanted to be an ER nurse? I'm also hearing from a lot of people it's not good for a new grad to work in the ER, but I think it would be okay since I would have a preceptor for a few months. I wouldn't be jumping into it alone without any training. Sorry for asking so many questions but I want to be prepared for this interview even more than the first. My confidence has already dropped from not being offered the job the first time so any advice from you is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for your help!

[Midwest4me]

I have MANY years as an LPN but no experience in the ER since RNs are only hired in that department in our area. I just wanted to say GOOD LUCK and I am amzed that there ARE still hospitals that hire LPNs---especially in the ER.

[Calixan]

Thanks for the good luck wishes. LVN's here can not do everything RN's do in the ER so it's still mainly RN's. At the first hospital I interviewed with, the two nurses that interviewed me told me the main role of the LVN was discharging the patients. They could start IV's, pass meds, assessments and discharges. Everything else the RN does. At the hospital I applied at, since it's a Level I ER, LVN's do basic things such as starting IV's, transporting patients, etc. They are considered Techs there. I'm just really nervous about interviewing in the ER again. I really want to work there and I have a passion for it but trying to regain my confidence.

Oh and one last thing, you said you were amazed hospitals still hire LVN's. The hospital I currently work at is cutting back on LVN's, I think there may be one position open there for LVN's right now but there are 160+ students graduating from the nursing program next month, so what are the odds of me getting that position? I have applied for it so I haven't completely closed it out but my heart is with the ER at the other hospital. *fingers crossed*

[Calixan]

2 more days til my interview, getting anxious, not so much nervous anymore. Just wish me luck!

[LittleBittRN]

Good luck with the interview. The ER I work at does not hire LVN's into "nursing" positions, they work as a Tech. Make sure in the interview you ask about your job duties. Our Techs start IV's, do EKG's and work on the floor helping the nurse. If you are planning on getting your RN and want to work in the ER, this is a great way to get your foot in the door for a position as an RN. Some ER's allow their LVN's to give certian IM and IV meds but the position is as an LVN, not a tech.

In interviewing, I can tell you I look for nurses that are energetic. When answering the question "Why do you want to work in the ER", some answers you can give is, I like to work in a fast paced enviorment, I like the challange of getting a patient stabalized, I like the variety of patients- from peds to adults, I will have the ability to use my skills and have diversity of changing diagnosis and conditions and being able to intervene and help the patient.

If you plan on going on to become an RN, share this. Also be honest and tell them that you want experience in the ER any way you can get it because eventually you want to be a RN in the ED. Let them know you have goals and a vision for your career.

Our ED hires new grads but we only invest in one's that stand out and have a go-getter type of personality. You have to remember that they are investing in you, make them see why you are worth the investment.

Good Luck

[Calixan]

Thank you so much Little. The ER I have an interview at tomorrow also have their LVN's working as Tech's and that would help me build my IV skills as well as other things. I am going right back into school to get my RN license so yes this would be a great opportunity. Thanks for your help!

[Calixan]

My interview went GREAT! Thanks everyone for all yoru help.

[Calixan]

I GOT THE JOB!!!!

[Lunah, MSN, RN]

:ancong!:

Woo hoo! Welcome to the world of the ED!

[Calixan]

Thanks!