recent LPN what do I need to do to get into ER?

[Buckyxj]

I just got my lpn and am wanting to work in the ER eventually. I was wondering if ER's are usually staffed by RN's in your area because I heard that around here that is all they will take. I am starting the bridge program in Aug. for my RN. but I was wondering what area of nursing you would suggest to get some experience in until I can get into the ER. I was thinking maybe cardiac or something like that

[neneRN, BSN, RN]

We hire new grads into our ER...our critical care side staffs 4 LPNs/shift, intermediate care staffs 3 LPNs/shift, and Fastrac 2 LPNs/shift. We do have about twice as many RNs per shift, but there are plenty of LPN slots. They work in areas where we have team nursing...only areas they don't work are in the assignments for most critical pts or for trauma alerts; these are staffed by RNs only. So there are hospitals that will take you right out of school, esp. with EMT experience...just gotta ask around.

[Rhfish2]

I can tell you in my part of NY. All of the ER's removed LPN's and only allow RN's, the ED that I worked in fro many years only used RN's. It is the problem of being able to do IV push meds. In the ED the majority of the meds are given IV push or we hang blood often, IV's, also LPNs in NY cannot do assessments without RN supervision.

[mtruland]

Having RNs is just easier. They're allowed to do much more than LPNs, and don't require the same supervision as an LPN would (from an RN).

I'm in a two-year program to get my RN. After one year, they allow you to test to get the LPN. I may try to get it just to gain a little experience, but it's only one year. We'll see. Maybe I will get it, maybe I won't. It's all a matter of how I feel when I finish a year of school.

[ManyRN2B]

I'm hoping to move into the ER next. I have 2 yrs of exp in a Post Open Heart Stepdown Unit with vascular and thoracic surgical patients. I would recommend a Cardiac unit. Even though the floor I work on is primarily Cardiac, we did see some med/surg type patients. I think Cardiac prepares you for "emergencies" We had plenty of code blues, pt's with dysrhythmias and unstable patients.

Good luck with finishing your RN degree

[Buckyxj]

one hospital here has an opening in the ER for an LPN and there are a couple urgent care offices that have lpn opening that are not as critical care. Im gonna apply at all three.