Excitement, Stress, and Enormous Reward – Is a Career as an ER Nurse for You?
Are you an aspiring nurse, student nurse, or registered nurse, considering a career in emergency room nursing?
Demand is high for ER nurses, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting a higher-than-average job growth rate of 7% (the average is 4%). But is it a good career choice for you?
Here’s all you need to know.
What Is Emergency Room Nursing?
Emergency room nurses are usually the first responders and providers of care for acute medical emergencies.
Emergency room nurses must be able to enter the emergency room with a doctor, assess patients and determine appropriate treatment and care. They need to be able to manage patients who may not have any previous medical records, assure patient safety, provide comfort, and give empathy while helping them.
What Is an Emergency Nurse’s Role?
For those with a medical condition, there are many times when they can’t get the help they need immediately. That’s where emergency room nurses come in. They work alongside doctors and other medical professionals to provide the best possible care for patients in critical situations.
They must be able to perform all medical tasks, including administering medication, performing CPR, operating on wounds, and more. To be successful as an emergency room nurse, you need to have knowledge of the most current healthcare practices and procedures.
Emergency room nursing is an exciting field with very varied work – you’ll never know what could happen next!
Educational Requirements for Becoming an ER Nurse
To become a registered nurse who specializes in emergency care, you’ll need either an associate’s degree in nursing (ASN) or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN). On passing, you’ll need to become licensed through passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).You’ll also need to obtain correct licensure for the state you practice and reside in.
Once you’ve graduated and earned the required certifications, it’s time to gain experience in an emergency nursing room job that offers a formal internship or orientation program aimed at entry-level emergency nurses.
It’s recommended you accrue a minimum of two years’ emergency nursing experience before gaining the Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) certification. Further, you’ll also need to qualify for recertification every four years through online testing or qualifying continuing education hours.
The Pros and Cons of Working as an ER Nurse
You must evaluate a well-balanced view of the reality of emergency room nursing. Here’s what you must know:
The Pros
ER nurse salaries are well above the average median salary. You’ll also enjoy more autonomy and responsibility, as well as variety and career progression available in:
- Trauma
- Triage
- Flight
- Pediatric
- Transport
A crucial element to nursing is the caring and meaningful role you play in healthcare – and that’s certainly the case in ER.
The benefits of working as an ER nurse include being able to have meaningful interactions with people who are experiencing life-threatening situations, performing life-saving procedures, and being able to make a difference every day.
The Cons
The emergency room can be highly stressful. You’ll be multitasking, and you’ll need to work fast and accurately. Simultaneously, you’ll need to cope with often tragic and emotionally draining scenarios, often with limited resources.
As well as the emotional demand on you as an ER nurse, ER nursing is physically draining and requires stamina.
Get Your Career Pulse Racing with ER Nursing Opportunities Here
If you’re interested in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment, look no further than ER. Yes, it has its cons – but the difference you make to your patients will surface all the reasons nurses want to nurse in the first place. You’re incredibly valuable in what you do in the emergency room, making life-changing and life-saving differences, with the advantage of excellent career progression opportunities and financial reward.
Ready to chase your dreams? Apply today with QS Nurses. We have some of the most rewarding Emergency Room Nursing Jobs your career needs.