What's the best path towards Emergency nursing??

[sun_chica]

Okay, here goes my 1st thread... I've worked for over a year in a ED as a unit clerk -I LOVE it!! The excitement, traumas, always learning something new, and a GREAT staff (nurses & docs). All are very conducive to students. I've heard that I should get a min of 2yrs M/S experience before entering the ER. Honestly, the whole M/S thing is not for me, esp ortho (I'm not big into geriatrics). I love the whole trauma thing, eventually may try to work in a trauma center...but definetely needs some experience! Some have said a min of 1 yr M/S then 1yr ICU/PCU exp. Since I'm not big on the M/S stuff, others have recommended floating for a yr, to get some M/S exp while getting a feel for a variety of units (L&D, Peds, etc).

I'll be graduating as an ADN in May ('04)...12weeks to go YEAH!!:roll

I was going to try for a float position b/c I'm hoping to sell my house in upstate NY & move back home (outside Philly, PA) to work for min 1yr. before returning for my BSN. Another ?, should I work on getting to the ER, then on certifications or get my BSN earlier before children to keep my options open? Anyone from Philly...are many of the RN positions looking for a BSN??

Lots of ?'s, any help & direction would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks

Cheri:)

[TinyNurse, RN]

The fact that you are an ED unit clerk already says something........."you've already got the feel"

me myself i was a waitress before i started as an RN in the ED......Getting "the feel" I think is a good thing.

I suggest training as an ED tech and going to nursing school.

Being a new person in the ED means there is a ton of things to learn and you must be prepared for that.

Due to the nursing shortage many hospitals are willing to hire new grad RNs in the ER.

best of luck to you!!!

xo Jenni

[Havin' A Party!, ASN, RN]

FWIW, our facility is one that generally doesn't hire a new grad into the ED.

OTOH, know of other hospitals (even more trauma-oriented) that do.

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

I work in central Illinois at a level one and we do hire new grads - all the time in fact. We have a very comprehensive 16 week orientation and then a mentorship too. I came to the ER 8 years ago with 2 years of ICU experience and although the pace was a bit hectic - I adapted as have all the newer nurses. Good luck - I'm a firm believer that you should do what you are happy doing - life is too short! Take care and good luck..

[SOCALRACERX911_RN]

Well said EMTPTORN. I totally agree with your thread especially about the confidence factor and the comment about the naysayers.

[Soonstudent]

Well sun chica, you should be graduating this month, what did you decide?