gs1976

Your course of action is really dependent upon where in the hospital you want to work...If you are looking toward the ED, then the EMT route is the way to go...If you are looking to be a med/surg nurse, then I would recommend CNA training. I personally was an EMT for 14 years before becoming a nurse, and I now work in the ED, and the experience is definitely helpful.

Your course of action is really dependent upon where in the hospital you want to work...If you are looking toward the ED, then the EMT route is the way to go...If you are looking to be a med/surg nurse, then I would recommend CNA training. I

The ENA CEN review is a good start....Laura Gasparis' DVD is also really good at breaking things down for individuals...

I am thinking about taking the CEN soon and it seems that the only trouble I am having is the questions regarding the 12 lead ECG. Anyone have any advice on how to better prepare for this, or is this not that big of an issue in the test....I have been on the job for over a year, but have several years EMS experience behind me...Any help would be appreciated.

We had a guy come in the other night because he ran his foot over with a shopping cart....He did it at 1400hrs, and came into the ER at 0200 that night/next morning....Sad thing is, he was a bigger guy, the kind that you would avoid in a dark alley....Couldn't quite believe it, but it happens I guess

Thanks for all the input...I too have a prehospital background (EMT since 1992)....After hearing everyone's thoughts, I think that my near future is going to consist of orientation to job, NCLEX, and I am going to start taking classes toward my BSN (I can take a class a semester at a university nearby)...Then I'll look into the CEN exam

Thanks to all the posts so far...I almost feel as if I am overwhelmed right now....I don't graduate until the 22nd of May, and I don't start in the ER until June 1....It's like December 24th at noon....You know Christmas is coming, but time just moves so slow.....

I don't think that they'll let me join now, since I graduate on May 22nd, but I am definitely going to join....Congrats on your job......

I graduate in two weeks and have already accepted a position in an ER. I read in a book that was recently given to me that there is a CEN exam for ER nurses. I do not know too much about this,and was wondering if I could have some input from the group...First off, is taking the CEN exam something to seriously consider, and secondly, how long should I wait to gain experience to take the exam?? Any help would be appreciated...Thanks....