Peds Nurse wanting to go to ER

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Hi everyone,

I have tried to search this specific topic, and haven't found the information that I am looking for, so I am looking for some advice from this great community.

I started as a new grad RN on a very busy Pediatric Med-Surg floor in a large, urban teaching hospital. We have recently added a transitional care unit, so I have been working there as well, too. I have been working there for three years now as of September.

I've always been interested in ER nursing, but started in Peds because I was a Unit Clerk there and it was a great opportunity considering the job market back then. I think I am ready to move on now, but every job opening I see requires at least a year of experience in the ED. Any advice on how to make myself marketable? I have PALS already.

Thanks so much,

Melissa

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Hey Melissa. Your best bet might be an internal transfer to your own hospital's ED. Any contacts you can make down there will help a lot. Do you ever go down to start IV's? I know we ask Peds to come down every now and then. Do some research and learn who's who (Unit director, etc) and make friends and make it known that you're interested. We had a Peds nurse start in our ER and she's great. Honestly, it's a great resource to have in the ED because we are not all super comfortable with peds. Anyway, have hope and know that you will be welcomed into the ED, just need to get your foot in the door. Good luck!

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Specializes in Med/Surg, ICU, ER, Peds ER-CPEN.

Get ACLS and your PEDs experience will be an advantage in a mixed population ER, especially smaller ones. Good luck!

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