Will an ER tech help me land a job in the ED?

[loosemoose]

Hi, I plan on going through an EMT-B program and getting certified. I want to start early with part time jobs that will build my resume up for being an ED Nurse. If I were to work as an ER technician at a hospital do you think that would be helpful? Thanks!

[OldDude]

Very helpful

[gospa]

It certainly could help. I did that.

[elppaym, BSN, MSN, RN, APRN]

Solid plan, go for it.

[bgxyrnf, MSN, RN]

It can be. It really depends on the specific hospital, what roles their techs actually fill, and whether they hire new grads.

The degree to which it will help is uncertain but it absolutely will not hurt at all.

Go for it, absolutely.

[MedicalPartisan]

Absolutely. Work hard and show them what you're capable of (work ethic wise). This is also advantageous as you will get to see the logistics of the ED and what the nurses do and will help you determine if that is the branch of nursing you truly want to pursue.

[Lunah, MSN, RN]

I was an ER tech for nearly 4 years in the same ER where I started as an ER nurse. :) My job interview was something like "you're not leaving." lol. Show them your value and ability to work hard, and they will not let you go. Good luck!

[kateee]

definitely! my supervisor has hired almost all of our techs as RN's when they graduate!

[Pat_Pat RN]

That's the way I did it. Worked on the ambulance as an EMT-B. Moved to a UC job to get a raise and better hours.. Then went to nursing school and continued for a few years as a nurse there.

[frequentFLyER]

Absolutely yes! Excellent plan! Work as hard as you can every shift, show initiative and ability to anticipate needs, be courteous to everyone there, treat it like a job interview for the entire time you're there. ALSO, do not be afraid to become close with your manager or educator. Tell them after you've built up some rapport how much you love the ED and you want to be an ED nurse there. They aren't mind-readers and many people have interest in the ED, stay in their ear even if it's showing extra interest in the quarterly nursing education or keeping current on skills.

Keep your grades up through school. Some places require a 3.0 or higher for new grad programs now. I worked as an ED tech for one year and two months during school. A spot was HELD for me in the new grad program in May to start in their next class (July) when it was booked up 'til October. I never would have thought I would be starting in ED and that they'd make such accommodations. Goes to show how important it is to get that experience especially somewhere you'd like to be hired on at as a nurse and how much work ethic you have.

You'll be great!

[oldandintheway]

Yes, approach each day as an extended job interview, do your absolute best and prove yourself eager to learn and function as a member of the team. Avoid gossip, cliques, and work place politics. Make a good impression and hiring managers will be impressed.