New Grad ED Nursing Jobs Prospects?

[TanSRN]

Currently in second year of nursing school. I'm very interested in working at an ED, but I was just wondering about the odds of getting an ED job straight out of college. Would those of you who are more experienced recommend it if it was possible?

I also have the option to start my NP program right after I graduate with my BSN. My ultimate goal is to be an Emergency-NP, but would it be better to work as an RN before pursuing my masters?

[Frankreich]

Currently in second year of nursing school. I'm very interested in working at an ED, but I was just wondering about the odds of getting an ED job straight out of college.

Would those of you who are more experienced recommend it if it was possible? I say go for it. Going for it doesn't mean you will be successful at first but; I believe live your dream.

I also have the option to start my NP program right after I graduate with my BSN. My ultimate goal is to be an Emergency-NP, but would it be better to work as an RN before pursuing my masters?

I suggest working at least 2 years as a RN before pursuing an advance degree.

[Frankreich]

Currently in second year of nursing school. I'm very interested in working at an ED, but I was just wondering about the odds of getting an ED job straight out of college. Would those of you who are more experienced recommend it if it was possible?

I also have the option to start my NP program right after I graduate with my BSN. My ultimate goal is to be an Emergency-NP, but would it be better to work as an RN before pursuing my masters?

I also recommend that you go after your dream. There is no right or wrong.

[chaosunlimited]

I am an ED nurse, and in my area of the country we do hire new grads, usually only once a year. However, this year we were budgeted for four new grad positions, and had around 60 applications. The competition was pretty steep.

Any experience in the ED you can get before graduation will give you a step up on the competition. You should look to do a nursing externship in the ED, or get a job as a tech or CNA in the ED if it's available. That will also enable you to get to know people there and show them your work ethic. Make sure you're a fast mover and NO griping about anything, even if other nurses/NA's are complaining about something. They will remember what you have said/done in the past when you interview. Even if you don't apply/get hired at the place you work in, you can get some references and possibly even network. Sometimes it just comes down to "who you know".

As far as starting a NP program right after graduating - NO! Get some clinical experience under your belt. All the book learning in the world can not hone your clinical skills, critical thinking, and prioritizing ability.

[TanSRN]

Thank you both for your responses!
I am getting EMT-certified this semester. I know EMTs have a completely different scope of practice than nurses do, but would an ED give someone with EMT experience preference? Or is it irrelevant in this matter?
Would I be better off getting CNA certified over EMT certified?

[chaosunlimited]

I can't speak for all ED's, but we often give more "points" to a person with an emergency background. Are you in a BSN or ADN program? You say you're in your second year, and if you are in a 2 year program, it's kind of late for getting a CNA or EMT, most of those programs are at least 6 months, aren't they? If you graduate in May, you need to think about applying for jobs in Jan or Feb. We started interviewing new grads in March or April, and only the ones who had their application packets complete. We had chosen our four grads by the end of April.

If you are in a four year program and have time, check with your local ED's and see what positions they hire in their department, that should give you a direction to pursue. Call and ask someone.

[travkitty]

I thought I wanted an ED job right out of graduation, but after doing my senior clinical in an ED, although I loved every minute, I decided to take a floor position first to feel more confident in my skills and do more learning. I can always transfer to the ED in my hospital in the future. I felt it would be better for my own development & patient care that I do some floor work first. No one is ever pigeonholed into their first job for the rest of their career. That's the beauty of nursing. Also, definitely get 1-2 years of nursing experience before starting any advanced degree clinicals...for the same reasons. I think it will just make the whole experience easier.

[hdthorne30]

I am also in my senior year of a BS program and have obtained a position @ a local hospital as an ER tech....they have guaranteed me a graduate nurse position at this point. Also, many fellow classmates are doing the same thing and have been able to secure positions in their area of interest also.