2 answers
Kayleigh
Student
Yuma, Arizona
2
Questions
Asked
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What do you need to become a ER Nurse?
What schooling and do I need certain degrees to be an ER Nurse?
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2 answers
Jeffrey Margulies
Physician - Emergency Medicine
5
Answers
Stony Brook, New York
Updated
Jeffrey’s Answer
Doc's answer above is correct.
As a retired full time Emergency Physician, let me just add:
As in all of the House of Medicine, a Nurse is gold, is the backbone of health care in every aspect.
Most important, a Nurse is the one who most frequently touches a patient and talks with a patient.
In the ED a Nurse and physician usually work both physically and functionally side by side.
If possible go for an RN, better still is the bachelors degree.
Some hospitals are now subsidizing tuition for nursing schools in order to grow more nurses.
If you don't have access or can't afford it, go for a tech or aide degree as an interim. Many have moved up and become RNs.
If possible find a mentor or two who are Emergency Nurses.
If you can, spend a little time, even volunteering, to be sure this is what you want and that you can take it. It's not like any other place in Medicine.
When in school, try to get a rotation or two within the ED at which you'd most like to work.
Above all, remember to love what you are doing!
As a retired full time Emergency Physician, let me just add:
As in all of the House of Medicine, a Nurse is gold, is the backbone of health care in every aspect.
Most important, a Nurse is the one who most frequently touches a patient and talks with a patient.
In the ED a Nurse and physician usually work both physically and functionally side by side.
If possible go for an RN, better still is the bachelors degree.
Some hospitals are now subsidizing tuition for nursing schools in order to grow more nurses.
If you don't have access or can't afford it, go for a tech or aide degree as an interim. Many have moved up and become RNs.
If possible find a mentor or two who are Emergency Nurses.
If you can, spend a little time, even volunteering, to be sure this is what you want and that you can take it. It's not like any other place in Medicine.
When in school, try to get a rotation or two within the ED at which you'd most like to work.
Above all, remember to love what you are doing!
Doc Frick
Career Coach and Mentor
1349
Answers
California, CA
Updated
Doc’s Answer
Kayleigh to become an ER nurse, you need to have at least an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited nursing program. The ADN program takes around two years to complete, while the BSN program takes around four years to complete. A BSN degree is preferred, as it provides more in-depth coursework and hands-on experience.
After completing your nursing degree, you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to obtain a nursing license. Then you'll need to gain experience in nursing before they can work in an emergency room. Many hospitals prefer nurses who have worked in other departments, such as intensive care units, medical-surgical units, or pediatrics, to gain experience in critical care and to develop the essential skill need in an emergency room. ER nurses work in fast-paced environments where they assess patients’ conditions, administer medications and treatments, and work with doctors and other medical professionals to care for patients who need emergency care. They typically work long hours, often outside of the standard 9-to-5 schedule. That includes nights, weekends, holidays, and rotating 12-hour shifts. For what it’s worth, ER nurses don’t just work in emergency rooms—they can work in ambulances, helicopters, emergency care centers, combat zones, and sports arenas. ER nurse jobs are also available on a permanent basis or via travel assignments across the country.
Kayleigh if you are you a critical thinker and are able to respond quickly and effectively in chaotic situations, you might enjoy the fast pace of the emergency room as a ER nurse.
Hope this was helpful Kayleigh
After completing your nursing degree, you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) to obtain a nursing license. Then you'll need to gain experience in nursing before they can work in an emergency room. Many hospitals prefer nurses who have worked in other departments, such as intensive care units, medical-surgical units, or pediatrics, to gain experience in critical care and to develop the essential skill need in an emergency room. ER nurses work in fast-paced environments where they assess patients’ conditions, administer medications and treatments, and work with doctors and other medical professionals to care for patients who need emergency care. They typically work long hours, often outside of the standard 9-to-5 schedule. That includes nights, weekends, holidays, and rotating 12-hour shifts. For what it’s worth, ER nurses don’t just work in emergency rooms—they can work in ambulances, helicopters, emergency care centers, combat zones, and sports arenas. ER nurse jobs are also available on a permanent basis or via travel assignments across the country.
Kayleigh if you are you a critical thinker and are able to respond quickly and effectively in chaotic situations, you might enjoy the fast pace of the emergency room as a ER nurse.
Hope this was helpful Kayleigh