What Do Er Nurses Do
Along with other first responders and emergency medical professionals, ER nurses work quickly to provide the best possible care for patients who might be suffering from life-threatening injuries or illness.
ER nurses work in a variety of settings, from Level 1 trauma centers to rural hospitals or clinics. We treat a variety of injuries, illnesses and complications and work with patients of all ages and backgrounds.
Due to rapid patient turnover, ER nurses also work across several medical disciplines. Throughout my nursing career, I have gained valuable professional experience and knowledge in several different areas of the nursing field, from trauma to pediatrics.
Become A Certified Nurse Practitioner
After completing an MSN program centered on advanced-practice nursing, youll be eligible to get certified as a nurse practitioner by either the American Nurses Credentialing Center or the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. The AANP offers a certification specifically for emergency nurse practitioners , though many emergency nurse practitioners are also licensed as family nurse practitioners . Your overall experience working in emergency-room settings will likely be more important than your specific NP certification. Nurse practitioner credentials from both the ANCC and the AANP are valid for a full five years before youll need to go through the renewal process.
Are Online Programs Available
Nursing is a hands-on profession, but both ADN and BSN degree programs can be completed at least partly online. Clinical hours are the exception. Clinicals are hands-on requirements that place a nursing student directly in a healthcare setting, and these must be fulfilled in person at a clinic, hospital, or other brick-and-mortar facility.
If youre a nursing student in a rural area with no classroom programs within reach, an online program can give you access to a wide range of educational opportunities across the country. And if youre already busy, online learning can give you room to meet responsibilities that prevent you from attending school in person.
Also Check: Is Ameritech A Good Nursing School
Licensed Practical Nurse / Licensed Vocational Nurse
LVNs and LPNs are interchangeable titles depending on where you work in the US. California and Texas use the title LVN, and the rest of the US uses LPN.
To become an LVN/LPN, you need a high school diploma or GED and to graduate from an accredited LVN/LPN program and pass the National Council Licensure Exam. LPN programs typically include one year of coursework and training at a hospital, community college, or technical school. There are also LPN to RN programs where LPNs can go back to school to become either an ADN RN or a BSN RN through accelerated programs.
LPNs and LVNs work in hospitals, nursing homes, and other medical facilities and are typically responsible for more basic kinds of patient care and comfort measures. Usually, they work under the guidance of an RN or MD.
> > Related: What are the differences between an RN and an LPN?
Why Are Emergency Nurse Practitioners So Important
Emergency nurse practitioners can diagnose and treat patients who present with emergent/acute symptoms, as well as perform procedures. Being nurses, they gather information about a patient not only to include physical symptoms, but psychosocial and environmental information as well. They are also skilled in education and therefore can spend time teaching in a patient and family-centered manner.
Emergency care NPs are also critical in improving access to care. According to the American Association of Medical Colleges , there will be a projected shortage of physicians by the year 2030-between 40,800 and 104,900 physicians. Emergency nurse practitioners are already beginning to fill the gaps, as non-primary care specialties are expected to experience a deficit of between 33,500 and 61,800 physicians.
You May Like: Graduate Nursing Programs New York
Not A Nursing Major Try This Alternate Route
Universities offer intensive and accelerated second-degree programs that lead to the BSN. Students might consider one of these programs if theyre close to earning a different degree, they want to study in another field but still wish to become a nurse, or theyd like to earn two degrees. Students can enter a second-degree nursing program once theyve earned an undergraduate degree each university has its own prerequisites for these programs, although they generally include chemistry, math or biology courses. A second degree BSN can be earned in anywhere from 14 to 16 months.
Credentials To Become A Travel Nurse
Along with a nursing license in the appropriate state, you will need the basic certifications of Basic Life Support and Advanced Cardiac Life Support to sign on with a travel nursing agency.
If you know you plan on specializing in a specific unit, you may also want to be sure that you have credentials in that specialty for instance, a CCRN certification for critical care, or NRP for labor and delivery and postpartum care. Most travel nursing agencies require nurses to obtain and maintain all of their certifications at their own expense, so its to your advantage to do some research ahead of time.
Read Also: Nursing Schools Near Sarasota Fl
Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist
A certified registered nurse anesthetist is an advanced practice nurse who administers anesthesia for surgery and/or other medical procedures.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the average income of a nurse anesthetist to be $169,450 per year, with some CRNAs earning over $252,000.
There are currently 42,620 registered CRNAs in the United States, with a projected rise of 31% from 2016-2026.
What You’ll Learn In An Adn Program
The ADN program is focused solely on nursing core classes and clinicals. Classes focus on the clinical aspect of nursing instead of the leadership, research, and management focus seen in other nursing programs.
Students are not required to take courses that are outside of their curriculum and, as we mentioned, the program can typically be completed in two years.
Associates degrees in nursing are offered by many community colleges and some four-year institutions. An ADN program will blend hands-on training with classwork. ADN programs are designed to train students in the technical skills needed to become a nurse in an entry-level position and about a patients basic health needs.
Recommended Reading: Nurse Practitioner Programs Los Angeles
Where Do Trauma Nurses Typically Work
Trauma nurses, of course, work in trauma centers, critical areas of emergency departments and intensive care units. Other potential venues include ground and flight transport, perioperative units, trauma care med-surg, step-down and rehabilitation units, burn units, and the military. Trauma nurses may also participate in charities such as Doctors and Nurses without Borders and the Red Cross.
The Role Of An Emergency Room Travelnurse
An emergency room travel nurse has the same role as a traditional ER nurse, only they work for a healthcare staffing agency rather than working directly for the facility. They must assess, intervene and stabilize patients who may have all sorts of illnesses and/or trauma that requires quick, decisive action. They are required to be highly knowledgeable when it comes to both general health conditions and specific medical issues, as well as understand triage. Triage is a way to prioritize a patients physical and mental condition based on their need for medical attention. These nurses must be able to make an accurate, quick assessment, often under pressure, of their patients.
Also Check: Oak Brook Nursing Home Huntington Indiana
How Much Do Er Nurses Earn
How much money you make could be a make-or-break aspect of choosing a career. Thats why its crucial to get an overview of your earning potential while youre still in the research phase.
As an Emergency Room Nurse, you can expect to earn a slightly higher salary than the national average for all Registered Nurses. ZipRecruiter, a popular online job platform, indicates that the average salary for ER Nurses is $85,704. For comparison, official data from the Bureau of Labour Statistics puts the national mean wage for RNs at $80,010.
Bear in mind that salaries may vary significantly based on a wide range of factors. The location where you practice, education level, years of experience, and certifications are just a few of the details which can play a part in how much money you can make in this position.
S To Becoming An Er Nurse
You must first earn an RN license before working as an ER nurse by attending nursing school and passing the NCLEX-RN examination. Almost all hospitals require ER nurses to be certified in advanced cardiac life support .
You must earn either a two-year associate degree in nursing or a four-year bachelor of science in nursing . While the ADN can get you started as a nurse faster, some emergency rooms may require or strongly prefer applicants with a BSN degree. A BSN also positions graduates to earn an MSN to become an advanced practice nurse .
The NCLEX-RN examination is a multi-hour multiple choice examination covering all aspects of nursing. It is graded as a pass or fail. NCLEX-RN first-time pass rates are a strong indicator of nursing school quality.
Once you graduate, you can work in an emergency department. While your nursing school work will include clinical hours, on-the-job training is critical for new nurses. Your employer will provide you with this training.
There are several emergency nursing certifications, but a valuable one is the certified emergency nurse credential from the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing . You can take the certification examination once you have an RN license, but the BCEN recommends at least two years of ER nursing experience.
You May Like: Going To Nursing School At 50
Six What Is The Career Outlook For An Emergency Room Nurse
According to the BLS, in 2019, there were 3,096,700 Registered Nurses in the United States. By 2029, there will be a need for additional 221,900 nurses, which is an expected growth of 7%.
Overall, there are many jobs available for emergency room nurses due to an aging population and a greater number of uninsured individuals and families in the United States. However, there are ebbs and flows to emergency room visits. Some, depending on the location, will have periods of overwhelming needs and then others with only a handful of patients.
Duties Responsibilities Schooling Requirements Certifications Job Outlook And Salary
Nobody ever plans to get injured or become seriously ill, but when lifes inevitable ups and downs force us to deal with a medical crisis, the emergency room is almost always the best place to go. Hospital emergency rooms have the specialized equipment and facilities required to deal with all types of medical emergencies. Theyre also staffed by highly trained healthcare providers like emergency nurse practitioners .
If youre excited by the thought of working in a fast-paced environment and responding to medical emergencies ranging from minor to legitimately life-threatening, becoming an emergency nurse practitioner could be the best nursing specialty for you. Theres never a dull day on the job, and its also one of the highest-paying nursing careers. In fact, we recently featured emergency nurse practitioners on our list of the highest-paid nursing jobs in 2021.
This career guide will teach you everything you need to know about becoming an emergency nurse practitioner, including the educational requirements, certifications, day-to-day duties, and how long it generally takes to launch your new career.
Not sure if becoming an emergency nurse practitioner is the right nursing specialty for you? Click here to see our full list of the highest paid nursing jobs.
Also Check: Essex County College Nursing Department
Get Your Masters Or Doctorate In Nursing
Nurse anesthetists are advanced practice registered nurses , which means they must have a masters or doctoral degree to work. Currently, applications are being accepted for a Master of Science in nurse anesthesia degree, which takes two years to finish.
However, by 2025, a Doctorate of Anesthesia Practice will be the minimum prerequisite for employment as a CRNA . CRNAs with a masters degree will be able to continue working in the profession at that time, while newly employed CRNAs will require a DNAP.
- Whatever program you choose, youll almost certainly need to meet the following requirements
- A valid RN license is required.
- One to two years of experience as an ICU RN with a BSN degree and a 3.0 overall GPA in BSN courses.
- College transcripts and job shadowing with a CRNA or anesthesiologist
- Certifications in a specific field
- Personal statement or goal essay
- Upon admission, a background check is performed.
Emergency Room Nurse Resources
The Emergency Nurses Association promotes excellence in emergency room nursing and is a valuable resource to ER nurses. Association members can access resources including practice and government relations information. The ENA also publishes multiple journals and magazines:
- ENA Connection, the ENAs member magazine, is published monthly and highlights ER nursing trends, industry news, and nurse profiles and success stories.
- ENAs peer-reviewed Journal of Emergency Nursing publishes original ER nursing research, pediatric nursing reviews, editorials, and more.
- ENAs NewsLine is a weekly e-newsletter sent to emails with health and nursing news.
The ENA also offers evidence-based ER nursing education and resources on an array of topics. These resources include toolkits, books, posters and more. Many of the programs feature both lessons and exams, and some qualify as continuing education credits.
In 2004, the ENA established the Academy of Emergency Nursing to honor nurses who have made significant contributions to the field, advance the profession of ER nursing, and provide visionary leadership. To date, more than 160 nurses have been inducted into the academy.
Recommended Reading: Skilled Nursing Facility Salinas Ca
Examination Licensure And Certification
Nurses enrolled in MSN/DNP programs can opt for an emergency nurse practitioner “track” as part of the advanced-degree program, and certification is offered at the time of graduation. Otherwise, certification can be obtained through different educational institutions, such as the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board, which offers ENP certification by examination.
Additional certifications needed may include:
- Basic Life Support
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support
- Neonatal Advanced Life Support
The certified nurse practitioner can, after meeting the specified requirements, apply to the state board for licensure.
Emergency Room Doctor Salary And Career Path
The median annual income for Physicians and Surgeons, which includes Emergency Room Doctors, was approximately $220,942.
Exact wages will depend on the years of experience, industry and specialization.
Emergency Room Doctors can make upwards to $363,000 per year according to figures from 2012.
The job outlook for Physicians and Surgeons as a whole looks promising because employment opportunities are expected to increase by 18 percent through the year 2022.
This job growth is considered faster than average and is attributed to the expansion of health care related sectors and the aging baby boomer population that results in a demand for health care services.
The below information is based on the 2021 BLS national averages.
- Annually
The top earning state in the field is Missouri, where the average salary is $340,150.
Read Also: Nursing Programs With A Bachelor’s
Emergency Nursing: Everything You Need To Know About Being An Er Nurse
By Ashley Brooks on 09/04/2018
If you have hopes of pursuing a career in nursing, youve probably looked into the different specialties available to nurses. Each specialty demands its own skills and characteristics, which is especially true for those working in emergency nursing. Emergency nurses work in a fast-paced, often-stressful environment that requires a unique skill set above and beyond the standard nursing skills.
Your ability to stay calm and collected in urgent situations is one of the reasons youre considering becoming an emergency room nurse. But the thought of working in the ER is intimidatingwhat if you cant handle the pressure? Or is that part of the job overblown? You need all the info you can get as you research the ins and outs of emergency nursing. Keep reading to learn more about the skills and qualities youll need in this dynamic nursing specialty.
The Path To Becoming An Er Nurse
Emergency nurses work in hospital emergency rooms and have one of the most varied experiences a nurse in a single position can have. Compared to most other types of nursing, my experience is that emergency nursing is often busier and less structured.
An emergency nurse may see 20 or more patients in a single shift and will help treat a wide variety of conditions in the many patients they do see.
Also Check: Online Bsn To Phd Nursing Programs
What Does An Er Nurse Do
Emergency room nurses perform basic medical procedures to treat the patient. Their administrative responsibilities also help the healthcare facility operate more efficiently. The typical responsibilities of an ER nurse include:
-
Observing and recording details about the patient’s physical well-being
-
Evaluating how the patient responds to medication
-
Making updates to medical records about the patient’s condition
-
Performing blood transfusions
How Long Does It Take To Become An Emergency Room Doctor
If you want to become an emergency room doctor, you should be ready for at least 11 years of training beyond high school.
The first step is to complete a four-year undergraduate program and to get your bachelors degree.
In order to be able to enroll at a medical school, you will need to obtain a passing score at the Medical College Admission Test.
During the last year of medical school, you may also have the chance of completing an internship in an emergency department where you will gain experience in this field.
Medical school graduates who want to become ER doctors need to complete at least three years of residency in emergency medicine.
During residency, you will receive clinical and laboratory training in trauma surgery, emergency medicine, and intensive care.
If you want to obtain training in a subspecialty of emergency medicine, such as pediatric emergency medicine or pain management, you will need to complete a fellowship program, which means another 2-3 years of training.
In order to be able to practice, those who have completed a residency need to obtain a state license, which means that they have to pass the three-step United States Medical Licensing Examination.
Recommended Reading: Southern New Hampshire University Nursing Program