Student Nurse - interested in E.R.

evolvingrn, BSN, RN · Nov 28, 2010

I think it would be, try to get a job as a tech in the er.

Blondie24 · Nov 28, 2010

I don't know where you live, but here in SoCal, you need to be an EMT to be an ER tech in the hospitals. No experience will go to waste! Good luck!

nurse2033, MSN, RN · Nov 28, 2010

A lot of ERs actually require (or at least like) techs to have EMT. If you did get a tech job, it might make it easier to get hired once you have your RN, assuming everyone likes you. (That was my plan but I got a write up for parking in the wrong parking lot and when I was ready to change jobs I couldn't because I was under "correction", I had to quit and work elsewhere) You would also be able to get your feet wet without all the pressure and responsibility, as well as practice skills like IVs. If you don't plan to use your EMT either in the ER or in the field, it won't help you a lot though. You'd have to be a real Mother Theresa to pusue your paramedic also, although it would be extrememly helpful later if you want to do flights (after you get your ICU experience). Working as a paramedic will help you tremendously in the ER (that was my route) but only if you get a fair amount of street experience first. If you want to do both you would have a well rounded wealth of experience, but not much personal life. Good luck!

RevolutioN2013 · Nov 28, 2010

I would not classify myself as an adrenaline junkie at all, but I think that I would like ER nursing because I do like instant gratification. I've been watching Trauma - Life in the ER on TV and I think that ER nursing might be a bit like instant gratification. Your patient comes in, you assess and act to best of your ability to stabilize your patient and then they are either released because they are well enough to go home OR they are handed off to the next department to address their condition(s). I perceive ICU to be a bit of the waiting game and I am so not patient. Yes, I think ER could be very interesting!

fyrefaye · Nov 28, 2010

That's an interesting take on the ER. I am a student interested in the ER and have a good friend who has been an ER nurse for several years. She loves it but her biggest complaint is the lack of closure (i.e. gratification) because patients tend to spend only a short period of time in the ER before they are shipped off elsewhere and she never knows their outcomes....

rshenry · Nov 28, 2010

I have been a Paramedic for 23 years when I became an RN. The wont take me until I have worked 1 year in med/surg.

DC Collins, ASN · Nov 28, 2010

I don't know where you live, but here in SoCal, you need to be an EMT to be an ER tech in the hospitals. No experience will go to waste! Good luck!

Same here in WA State. No official rule, but the three hospitals at which I applied for a tech position said they only hired EMTs or Paramedics as techs.

But yes, get your foot in the door, either by getting your EMT first, or even just volunteering in the ED in which you think you want to work. Not only is it good experience, but if you *shine* in your Tech or Volunteer position, they will *want* you to apply there when you pass your boards.

DC :)

DC Collins, ASN · Nov 28, 2010

I would not classify myself as an adrenaline junkie at all, but I think that I would like ER nursing because I do like instant gratification.

That is exactly what attracted me to being an ED nurse. That is why I am one now.

DC :)

greenfiremajick · Nov 28, 2010

Same here in WA State. No official rule, but the three hospitals at which I applied for a tech position said they only hired EMTs or Paramedics as techs.
But yes, get your foot in the door, either by getting your EMT first, or even just volunteering in the ED in which you think you want to work. Not only is it good experience, but if you *shine* in your Tech or Volunteer position, they will *want* you to apply there when you pass your boards.
DC :)

Your comment of "but if you *shine* in your Tech or Volunteer position, they will *want* you to apply there when you pass your boards................."

Would you please expand upon what is meant by "shine?" I mean, give some examples of how a tech might make themselves indispensable, so to speak.....

DC Collins, ASN · Nov 28, 2010

Sure :)

Be 'on' at all times. Look for opportunities to help the nurses, other techs, charge nurse, etc.

Cheerfully turn over the rooms, restocking when things are slow.

Within your scope of practice and certification, offer to help the RNs (facilities I know of have at least one RN on the hiring committee for that dept.). For example, if you are certified to draw blood, watch charts for orders needing draws and offer to do them. Same with ECGs. Urine dips...offer to and do them.

If you are a well experienced EMT/Tech, you can be a mentor to a newer or recent grad ED RN. But be that, a mentor, not a know-it-all.

Basically, find ways to *both* make others' jobs easier *and* make them look good!

They will love you for it and recommend you when there is an opening.

DC :)

RevolutioN2013 · Nov 28, 2010

My local hospital (small town) only allows volunteers to work the information desk so no volunteer opportunities there. However, I come from an administrative/office background and I'm hoping to get a CNA/unit secretary combo position after I finish my NA I class in March. I'm hoping that I can ease my way into the ER in that support route and work there part time through NS. Then maybe they'll hire me once I graduate. We'll see if any of that can actually come to fruition, but it sounds like a nice, neat, organized plan LOL!