Will EMT help me get a job in ER?

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I just graduated from nursing school (Associate's degree) and plan on taking my NCLEX soon. However, due to my lack of experience I am having a VERY tough time finding a job. I only have retail management experience, no health care experience besides clinical. I have always wanted to be an ER nurse, I love the idea of always being on my toes, and the fast-paced environment. Of course, I am willing to do any kind of hospital nursing as I start my career. But I was thinking that since I want to work in the ER, perhaps I should get an EMT certification? I don't know much about the different levels of EMT certifications, but I need something to boost my resume and experience. I was wondering what you all think. I would greatly appreciate any advice you can give me to help me on my way to becoming an ER nurse.

Specializes in Inpatient Psych, Eating Disorders, Tele.

hi greenfaery,

i just wanted to tell you my experience. i was in a similar situation a couple of years ago. i ended getting my emtb right before nursing school on the advice of a friend who is an icu nurse. it did not help me at all. although i enjoyed the experience, if i had to live my life over again, i would have taken phlebotomy instead. even though i went to a bsn school, our phlebotomy training was so minmimal it was laughable. if i had a phlebotomy certification everything would have been so much easier. much easier to get your foot in the door. in fact, at our level 1 trauma ctr, phlebotomists who are nursing students go straight to ER when they graduate. good luck!!!!

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Specializes in Peds and adult ED, trauma.

EMT B, I or P would potentially be useful if you had experience in the field prior to applying for jobs, but that most likely won't be the case here. As for EMT, though, the basic assessment skills taught in the class could benefit a new nurse regardless of specialty.

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it won't hurt, but i would try looking for a hospital that offers a "critical care new nurse residency". there are many that do here in the new york city area (i.e. montefiore, nyhq, etc.)

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