Runner_12345

Hello! I am planning on going back to school in about a year for either my masters or DNP. I am currently a new graduate ER nurse in a trauma 1 facility. I have worked here for about 5 months, although it seems longer since I pick up 2 extra day shifts each week. Anyway, I have always known I wanted to go back to school for my NP. I love school so I am pretty excited to start back up. I also think it's a great time for me to finish this degree since I have no commitments to kids or a family. Anyway, I have researched this topic heavily and thought I would reach out myself to get people's input. I am unsure if a DNP program is necessary since I don't plan on doing research or teaching in the future. Although, I don't want to have to get my DNP after receiving my masters if they decide in the upcoming years DNP is favored. I would rather get it done at one time. I am also deciding on specialties as I would like to work in a ER as a NP. I have heard FNP's are preferred since they can see a wide variety of patients. I have also seen some programs allow for a bridge between FNP to ER specialties. I also think as a I get older I might prefer a slower paced environment ie. working in a clinical setting so FNP would be beneficial. Anyone have any insightful input on this topic?! Anyone in a DNP or Master's program? I would like to know why you chose a masters over DNP or vis versa. Or anyone a ER NP that would like to give input into what specificity track you picked?! Also, how long did it take for you finish these programs? Did you think it was manageable to work part time/ full time while going to school? Thank you in advance!!

Hi everyone, I have looked on several sites and boards but I have not found a consensus. I was wondering how many years of experience you need for travel nursing-ER unit? I am just starting in a ER trauma 1 as a new grad. I plan on working for 1.5-2 years or however much experience I need before I can do travel nursing. My boyfriend, a trauma ICU nurse, would also love to start travel nursing and he is very eager to start. I have found differing information on how much experience you need of nursing experience and for specific units. I have found a general rule of thumb is 12-18 months + 1 year of experience on a speciality unit. Then I go to different travel agency and it says something different. Also, would you suggest working as travel nurse in the ER 2 years out of school? I know I have a lot to learn and experience needed to even start really looking but I am huge planner. I like to know specific details so I can get planning my timeline. Thank you in advance! :)

Thank you JKL33 for you insightful feedback. I will definitely come back here and let you guys know how it's going!

There is many great things about both units. Obviously, I am not speaking of true autonomy, as in nursing we rely on physician orders. I would say ICU nursing is based on a great deal of algorithms, protocols and standing orders. From what I have seen, ICU nurses work with the across the board the sickest patients and many times there is not a MD on the unit when things get dicey. So ICU nurses have to make decisions based on critical judgement possibly with or without an MD to save a patient. While, ER nurses most times have an MD on the unit readily available. However, I do think certain nursing units are more "autonomous" than others like ICU, ER, home care, and L&D and this is what I was stating. I do recognize that ER nursing are working closely with doctors with continuous collaboration between professionals and that is another reason why I love the ER. Keep doing you Kindaback!

Hello fellow nurses, I am a new grad nurse that got hired at a Trauma 1 ER unit, day shift. I am looking for any advice, tips, and words of wisdom for working in the ER as a new grad. I was hired in the ER after my 3 month preceptorship in the same ER. I would say I am very fast learner. I ask questions if I don't know something or look it up. I can't imagine working on any other floor. For a while, I didn't find my place on any of the other units as a nursing student till I worked in the ER. I knew right when I saw what the ER was all about, talked with the nurses and worked with patients, the ER was my place. I love the autonomy, uncertainty, face paced work environment, team collaboration and diversity of patients. I am excited to start working but would love to hear from anyone with work experience in the ER! Thank you in advance!