What to do before ER

[archivistanna]

I am getting ready to graduate in June with my BSN. I live in an area where there is a great market for new nurses, so I have some ability to be particular about what position I take. My goal is to be an ER nurse, but since that is such a competitive area, what other areas would you recommend as a stepping block to ER?

As a personal preference, I do not want to work a med-surg job. I know lots of people feel that all nurses need to start on med-surg, but it just is not something I have enjoyed and its hard to apply for jobs, knowing you won't like it... especially when there are other options available.

[Lunah, MSN, RN]

If the ED is your goal, why not go for it? There are few (if any) specialties that are anything like it, and it's not unusual for new grads to go straight into a specialty these days. One caveat: you need to have a structured, planned orientation or residency program to really be successful as a new grad going straight to the ED.

Best of luck in the remainder of your program!

[NurseHeart&Soul, MSN]

I share the same thoughts as Pixie. I started in the ED as a new grad and that was in the years of very limited orientation. A solid orientation program will definitely help you succeed. After two years in the ED I started moonlighting in the ICU...felt I was losing some of my nursing school knowledge due to the fast paced nature of the ED. Any other critical care area would benefit you in the ED though they are SO different. Not all ICU nurses transition well to the ED. By that point in their career the transition to controlled chaos is hard. Chase your dream... Good luck!

[Cricketstar]

Hello! Congrats on almost being finished with nursing school. I started on med/surg and had two years of experience before switching to the ER. I think it personally was a good decision as I knew many disease processes, meds, and had time management down prior to entering the chaos and was able to hit the ground running. However, most of my colleagues started in the ER as new grads and had no trouble. I think it is preference and based off of your own learning needs whether you start in the ER or on another unit. Good luck with whatever you decide!