Emergency Room Nurse Life Videos:

Here’s a brief list of what Emergency Room Nurses do:

  • Assess Patients: Quickly evaluate patients’ conditions, including taking vital signs and performing initial physical assessments.

  • Administer Treatments: Provide medications, start IVs, and perform other medical interventions as prescribed.

  • Monitor Patients: Continuously observe patients for changes in their condition and respond to any emerging issues.

  • Assist with Procedures: Help doctors with medical procedures and treatments, such as wound care, suturing, and emergency interventions.

  • Document Care: Record patient information, treatments, and responses accurately in medical records.

  • Coordinate Care: Communicate with doctors, specialists, and other healthcare providers to ensure comprehensive patient care.

  • Provide Patient Support: Offer emotional support, education, and reassurance to patients and their families.

Here’s how YOU can become one:

  1. Earn a Nursing Degree:

    • Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN): Typically a 2-year program at a community college or university.

    • Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): A 4-year program that provides a more in-depth education and can offer better job prospects and opportunities for advancement.

  2. Pass the NCLEX-RN Exam:

    • After completing your nursing degree, you must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) to become a licensed registered nurse (RN). This exam tests your knowledge and skills to ensure you are prepared for clinical practice.

  3. Obtain State Licensure:

    • Apply for licensure in the state where you plan to practice. Each state has its own licensing board with specific requirements and processes.

  4. Gain Clinical Experience:

    • Work as a registered nurse to gain experience. While not always required, having experience in a medical-surgical unit or other acute care settings can be beneficial before moving into an ER setting.

  5. Get ER Experience:

    • Seek a position in an emergency department or urgent care setting to gain experience in the fast-paced and high-stress environment of emergency care.

  6. Consider Certification:

    • Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN): Offered by the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN), this certification demonstrates specialized knowledge and expertise in emergency nursing. While not always required, it can enhance your credentials and job prospects.

    • Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS): These certifications are often required or preferred for ER nurses and can be obtained through organizations such as the American Heart Association.

      This is a very brief and general plan. To know your specific academic path for this career please talk to an advisor at the college or program you plan on attending!