Nursing student wanting ER

SuzieF · Nov 5, 2012

Congrats on your up coming graduation. I am a currently working in an ER at a Level 2 Trauma Center. I can tell you that in our ER it is expected that most new staff come with either prior ER or Med Surg experience (for instance). If a new nurse had been a paramedic, this would count as well. Talking with the ER leadership up front is always a good idea. Also, being proactive by getting your TNCC, PALS, ACLS and the like will show you are serious about working in the ER and can only help your prospects. Don't be discouraged if you don't get in to the ER with your first go around. My ER rarely hires new grads. Just work on getting experience of some sort under your belt, preferably med/Surg or Peds. Of course, Critical Care would be a feather in your cap as far as the ER goes. Best wishes to you!

nurse2033, MSN, RN · Nov 5, 2012

Treat every shift there as a job interview, and tell everyone who will listen you want to work there. Make every nurse you work with think of you as a dedicated, capable, professional. Volunteering will lead you nowhere as you won't be allowed to do anything except fluff pillows. If people see you as a pillow fluffer they won't see you as a steely eyed lifesaver. A positive attitude will do wonders. Good luck.

ecerrn · Nov 5, 2012

Seriously your enthusiasm is leaping off the page. As already stated..do an excellent job during your rotation...when nurses start telling you to fill out an application you will know your right for it. Also ask if they can be e reference for you...in other words, if you are seen as an asset you will be invited. The rotation itself is the foot in the door.

Rhi007 · Nov 6, 2012

I'm kinda in the same boat as the OP with the exception I'm about to commence enrolled nursing. I have quite a bit of experience as a patient, I volunteer in the ED of Adelaide's number one trauma centre mostly restocking supplies like nasal specs, O2 masks and making sure family of patients are comfortable. Emergency nursing has always been high on my goals and I am a St. John ambulance volunteer as well. The only reason I'm so late into my goal is my mum told me I couldn't be a nurse (she's been one for 37yrs) I am not Squeamish in the slightest and basically grew up in a hospital because of my parents occupations. I also have a natural ability as described by a doctor for understanding medical terms. Who needs recreational drugs if you're a ED nurse??? The adrenalin is already coursing through your veins with every code!!!

Belle2013 · Nov 7, 2012

Thanks for all the comments! Ill be applying in January/February. Thanks :)

LilgirlRN, ADN, RN · Nov 7, 2012

Try to do your preceptership in the ED where you wanna work. If your precepter likes you he/she may pass that on to the boss.

There are so many newbies wanting to work ER that some institutions allow it, thinking that there won't be any bad habits to deal with and the newbie can be taught what the ED wants them to know. Plus, newbie's have nothing to compare that specific ED to, so they won't know that having 5 nurses for a 30 bed ED isn't done in most places! In other words they can work the crap outta you and you won't know any difference.

VICEDRN, BSN, RN · Nov 7, 2012

This is easily the third thread with this flavor in a month.

To the op: plenty of info on this topic already on this board.

ERprincess22 · Nov 7, 2012

I'm all for contacting the director... but after you put in your application. I did this, and she told me that is why I got the job. My drive and initiative is what really wowed her. You sound like you know what you want, and trust me, there is absolutely no reason why you can't be a new grad in the ER. You are either meant for it, or you aren't. I started as a new grad and work with quite a few people who started as new grads, and I must say, we are fabulous.

hiddencatRN, BSN, RN · Nov 7, 2012

Join the ENA and go to meetings for your local chapter. That us how I got my ER job as a new grad.

hiddencatRN, BSN, RN · Nov 7, 2012

Why can we not simply close these threads the minute they open? This is easily the third thread with this flavor in a month.
To the op: plenty of info on this topic already on this board.

The new grad sticky should be updated to include all such postings and displayed WAY more prominently.

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN · Nov 8, 2012

Although this maybe repetative to some of us it is new for this member.

OP.....there is a search option in the upper right hand corner and you can search other responses on the site. As a new grad you will find the job market very difficult and may not find the position of your dreams right out of school....if you find a position at all. Many new grads are finding it takes an average of 10-14 months to find a position and it is not the position of their dreams.

While it is possible to be a new grad in the ED it is extremely difficult for the pace is fast and the acuity is high at times. You will be trying to establish basic nursing skills like basic assessment and priority....but will have to master advanced skills like EKGs, IV, and drugs. It is extremely difficult but it can be done. Start networking now....get an ED tech position. Find a facility that has an ED residency.

Good luck on your nursing journey!