I am RN who hopes to return to work after being out raising kids. My last acute care experience was 9 years ago and last worked in an outpatient clinic 4 years ago. I am interested in the ER: In order to prepare myself I am interested in taking courses or obtaining certifications to make me more confident and ultimately more marketable when applying for ER jobs. I had a ER manager tell me to go the TNCC route as obtaining a CEN certificate without ER experience would not be appropriate from a hiring manager's standpoint. The TNCC was recommended as a good alternative. ER nurses, what do you think?Thanks so much for your help and input
Moogie 1 Article; 1,796 Posts Specializes in Gerontology, nursing education. Jan 13, 2010 Not an ER nurse but I can suggest a good RN refresher course. I took mine at the University of South Dakota about nine years ago. At the time, it was independent study and I needed a proctor for unit exams, but now I would guess that much of it might be online. The class was mandatory to get my license back to "active" status but I thought it was an excellent review. I also had to do 80 hours of clinicals in an acute care facility and had a preceptor who worked with me on that. Good luck to you. At times it seems very daunting to re-enter the workforce but it is well worthwhile.
ga*gal 15 Posts Specializes in Pediatrics, Chemical Dependency, Psych. Has 6 years experience. Jan 13, 2010 Thanks Moogie for your advice- I've looked into that program and it does look really good. Hope you are doing well!
Trauma Columnist traumaRUs, MSN, APRN 153 Articles; 21,229 Posts Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU. Has 31 years experience. Jan 13, 2010 I vote for TNCC - you won't have enough base knowledge to easily pass the CEN exam. Not saying you couldn't pass it, just that it will be a whole lot easier in 2 years. I would also say get up to date on BLS, ACLS, peds certification: either ENPC or PEPP.
ga*gal 15 Posts Specializes in Pediatrics, Chemical Dependency, Psych. Has 6 years experience. Jan 14, 2010 Thanks so much TraumaRUs- Think that is a really good point. Really appreciate your advice-Have a great day-
helikias 136 Posts Jan 14, 2010 What do TNCC and CEN stand for? Thanks! I'm trying to learn as much as I can.
MERRYWIDOW46 311 Posts Specializes in ER, OR, PACU, TELE, CATH LAB, OPEN HEART. Has 33 years experience. Jan 14, 2010 BLS, ACLS Definitely!TNCC is best for now, CEN requires 2 years of clinical experinece in ER verified by a nurse manager to take the exam.Best of Luck, and as several others have said, a Nurse Refresher course. In my state you can NOT return to work after several years not working without taking one. The community colleges here offer them.Welcome back.
Trauma Columnist traumaRUs, MSN, APRN 153 Articles; 21,229 Posts Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU. Has 31 years experience. Jan 14, 2010 TNCC - trauma nurse core curriculumCEN - certified emergency nurse
helikias 136 Posts Jan 14, 2010 TNCC - trauma nurse core curriculumCEN - certified emergency nurseThank you!
Larry77, RN 1,158 Posts Specializes in Trauma/ED. Has 10 years experience. Jan 14, 2010 They recommend some ED experience before you take the TNCC course and I agree that it's more rewarding if you've at least been exposed to trauma. I would definitely do ACLS and PALS though.
cookienay 197 Posts Specializes in ER, education, mgmt. Has 18 years experience. Jan 14, 2010 Welcome back and best wishes in entering the crazy world of ER nursing. No further advice to add as the other posters are right on the money with their advice. just wanted to say Good Luck!
Editorial Team / Moderator Lunah, MSN, RN 33 Articles; 13,748 Posts Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CNE, CEN, CPEN, TCRN. Has 15 years experience. Jan 14, 2010 CEN requires 2 years of clinical experinece in ER verified by a nurse manager to take the exam.Actually, that's not true. BCEN recommends 2 years, but it's not required. I took my CEN after 10 months of time as an RN. CPEN requires specific time, but the CEN does not. Eligibility info: http://www.ena.org/bcen/exams/Eligibilty/Pages/default.aspxHowever, I agree with the others ... TNCC, ACLS, BLS, PALS, ENPC/PEPP ... all good. Save the CEN for later.
