Why working as an ED nurse so competitive?

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I have sister in law who used to be a hiring manager in a hospital. I asked some help from her to do some corrections on my resume and she did. But I had some questions because she told me working in the ED as a nurse is so competitive. And it will be difficult for me to be hired as an ED nurse because it has been a year and a half I worked in the department. Moreover, because I am a foreign nurse.

This really hurt my heart. But I understand because it took me so long to apply for a job. So my questions are, why is it so competitive to get a job as a ED nurse? And do I really have a low chance of getting hired in ED because of my aituation?

Thanks!

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

It's competitive because a lot of people want to work in the ED. Why? It's a stepping stone to a lot of critical care specialties and advanced practice, it offers a lot of variety (seriously, most of your patients are out the door in 24 hours or less), it's fast-paced and it's challenging.

And for some, it's the be-all end-all.

As far as your chances...I don't know. Being out of practice for 1.5 years is probably your biggest handicap in the race. Have you been working as a nurse at all during that time? What have you been doing to keep your ED knowledge current since you've been out?

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I spent my 1.5 yrs in waiting for my greencard application to be approved here in the US. And also spent my time studying for the NCLEx. So far I only read books about emergency room procedures and cases.

Ill just pray for a miracle then to be hired in the ED. Thank you!

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Specializes in ER.

That's because, the ED is fun, entertaining and glamorous. I noticed that when I switched to ER, I got some more street cred respect. It's considered the coolest job in nursing I suspect.

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4 minutes ago, Emergent said:

That's because, the ED is fun, entertaining and glamorous. I noticed that when I switched to ER, I got some more street cred respect. It's considered the coolest job in nursing I suspect.

Yeah, I love working in the ED. My 3 yrs in the ED way back in the Philippines was really fun and challenging. I just wish I can get a job there, but it seems impossible because of my situation. Congratulations for being in the ED!

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I don't feel like ER is that competitive. The last two places I worked tried to recruit me for ER when I floated there occasionally as a helper. Granted, they were little ERs and the job was not so glamorous. The most exciting ERs are probably a little more difficult to break into.
I enjoy working there once in a while with very little responsibility and no patients of my own.

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1 minute ago, Sour Lemon said:

I don't feel like ER is that competitive. The last two places I worked tried to recruit me for ER when I floated there occasionally as a helper. Granted, they were little ERs and the job was not so glamorous. The most exciting ERs are probably a little more difficult to break into.
I enjoy working there once in a while with very little responsibility and no patients of my own.

I guess it really depend on what hospital it is. But good job in being recruited to work in the ER!

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1 minute ago, dcpa55 said:

I guess it really depend on what hospital it is. But good job in being recruited to work in the ER!

I said no. ? I still float there on occasion, but it will never be my full time gig.
I think I saw in another thread that you've only applied for two jobs and very recently? You're not out of the race.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Moved to Emergency Nursing.

My 10 years in the level 1 ED was the most awesome of my entire career. Still miss it. Best wishes

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12 minutes ago, Sour Lemon said:

I said no. ? I still float there on occasion, but it will never be my full time gig.
I think I saw in another thread that you've only applied for two jobs and very recently? You're not out of the race.

I wish you I can grab your opportunity to work in the ED. Yes, I applied to only 2 hospitals. I was so choosy. Haha. But I realized, I should just apply to all. I live in Maryland, they have a lot of ED opening positions. I hope miracle will happen. Thank you for the support!

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7 minutes ago, traumaRUs said:

Moved to Emergency Nursing.

My 10 years in the level 1 ED was the most awesome of my entire career. Still miss it. Best wishes

Wow! 10 yrs is a long time! Thank you!

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Do you have a cover letter to accompany your resume? That is your opportunity to present yourself as someone with a nice foundation who is excited to get back to the ED. Sometimes people post things like résumés and cover letters here for others to offer helpful comments.

Also, yes - send out a lot more than two applications.

Good luck ~

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