Opportunity to switch to ER nursing, should I?

[circularstaircase]

When I was in nursing school, I thought I'd always be an ER nurse. I loved the pace and the unpredictability and the vast amount of knowledge and assessment skills that needed to be utilized. Thus far in my nursing career, I have worked on a med-surg floor for 12 months and on the float team of a hospital for 3 months. I was just approached by the ER director to apply for a transfer. He said he already talked to my manager, and that my manager approved the transfer. While this seems like a dream opportunity, there is also a catch. I plan to move out of the state in 6 months. If that is the case is taking this transfer position to the ER a bad idea? Or is it still a great opportunity I shouldn't pass up? In 6 months time I am going to try getting a travel nurse position out of the state, and I don't know if my 6 months ER experience will help or hurt me? Any opinions would be appreciated! Thanks for listening!

[ChristineN, BSN, RN]

When I was in nursing school I thought I'd always be an ER nurse. I loved the pace and the unpredictability and the vast amount of knowledge and assessment skills that needed to be utilized. Thus far in my nursing career, I have worked on a med-surg floor for 12 months and on the float team of a hospital for 3 months. I was just approached by the ER director to apply for a transfer. He said he already talked to my manager, and that my manager approved the transfer. While this seems like a dream opportunity, there is also a catch. I plan to move out of the state in 6 months. If that is the case is taking this transfer position to the ER a bad idea? Or is it still a great opportunity I shouldn't pass up? In 6 months time I am going to try getting a travel nurse position out of the state, and I don't know if my 6 months ER experience will help or hurt me? Any opinions would be appreciated! Thanks for listening![/quote']

I would take the job. You yourself said it has always been your dream, and you may be wondering "what if" if you pass it by. Most travel companies will want at least 1 year, more preferred, before you can accept travel assignments in your new speciality

[circularstaircase]

Good point about the "what if." I am just concerned about only getting 6 months of ER experience before I move. That's why I am wondering if it's a better career decision to stay on the float team for now. Moving in 6 months is my definite priority. I don't mind doing floor nursing on my first couple travel nursing assignments. Hmmm. So much to think about!

[NurseOnAMotorcycle, ASN, RN]

You'll barely be out of orientation (3 months) when you leave. However, you will have ER experience which is invaluable to your résumé... Tough decision indeed.

[emtb2rn, BSN, RN, EMT-B]

Will leave or may leave? If you're really planning to leave in 6 months don't move to the ER. They will orient you and then you leave. What's in it for them? Nothing. Plus you will have burned a bridge in that hospital.

Will leave or may leave? If you're really planning to leave in 6 months don't move to the ER. They will orient you and then you leave. What's in it for them? Nothing. Plus you will have burned a bridge in that hospital.

Not to mention that (a) you won't be ready for ED travel assignments and (b) you'll have less m/s experience which will reduce your appeal as a traveler.