RN volunteer EMS and Emergency Dept?

nurse2033, MSN, RN · Aug 21, 2013

I had ten years of paramedic experience but nursing managers didn't give a xxxx. The experience is invaluable but not recognized. As for volunteering, you'd have to work hard to get to know people. I'm too busy in my ER to chat with the volunteers and all they do is change linens. If we have sick patient they are out of the room. Sorry to be a downer. I had to take an agency job, and volunteer to float to the ER to get in. Perhaps you can have better luck. I think in a rural community it might work a lot better. Good luck.

iliketosneeze · Aug 22, 2013

Thanks so much for the honest advice

Guests · Aug 22, 2013

I think volunteering can be helpful, but only in the department in which you hope to work.

Be personable and try to connect with the staff.

A lot of them are standoffish but some of us are nice.

There are some things that volunteers can do be helpful:

Wipe down the counters, phones, and equipment with saniwipes...

if you're going to re-stock linens then be certain that the linens are always stocked, especially the blanket warmers...

know where things are so that you could fetch something for me when my hands are full...

proactively wipe down gurneys...

let it be known that you're interested, and you're likely to be welcomed into the rooms by some of us...

ladies, make yourselves available as chaperones...

ask intelligent questions...

be seen...working, not hanging out...

learn how to spot genuine alarms on the monitors...

Keep_Calm · Aug 22, 2013

In a small community (I'm guessing so if you have volunteer ems), I think it would be extremely beneficial to have the EMT cert on your résumé when applying for an ER position. If the hospital doesn't use volunteers in the ER, go on as many runs with the squad as you can to become familiar and friendly with the ER staff. So definitely do it!

zmansc, ASN, RN · Aug 22, 2013

Are you already working in the hospital, or do you not want to take a job anywhere else in the hospital? In my facility, once you are working and off orientation, you can orient to a second department with the department heads approval. Most of the "new grad" RNs we get are through this route. They get hired into Med Surg, or wherever and then cross train to the ER, then start pulling shifts PRN in the ER, then slowly migrate to a full time shift or never come back! lol

badgerRN · Aug 23, 2013

I just started as a New Grad at a busy Level 2 Trauma Center.

I had never walked into the hospital before I interviewed, and got a job.

I have volunteered as a First Responder for a few years, and through that I took opportunities to get extra certifications like Advanced Burn Life Support, ACLS.

Whether or not the experience swayed them, at the least you gain experience, which helps you interview better, and be better once you start the job.

At least with EMS you will see what ER is like. It is not always trauma, codes, and fun stuff. It more often than not is sadly drug seekers or urgent care visits for medicaid patients.

Larry77, RN · Aug 23, 2013

I had ten years of paramedic experience but nursing managers didn't give a xxxx. The experience is invaluable but not recognized.

I am a hiring manager and I think this is an unfair statement. No we can't take EMT-P experience as RN experience but if we are considering two new grads and one has pre-hosp experience and one does not...

It does seem like the market is very competitive for specialities that are sought after (ie ICU, ED) but with perseverance and dedication a position can be had. I would try to foster a relationship with the department you are looking at and if that's by volunteering, great. Also try to get your certs like ACLS, and PALS or ENPC (better option). Depending on the manager, you might be able to get a meeting with them to talk about a long term plan for you and to get some advice. I have done that and have actually enjoyed it.

The best advice has already been given...get a job, any job, at the hospital you want to work in to have your foot in the door and then transfer to the speciality you want later.

Good luck...