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High-Octane Nursing
Stephen Borkowski / Monster Staff Writer
Got What It Takes?
Flight nursing, emergency room nursing and other similar positions are highly coveted. If you want such a job, you’ll need to stand out and be experienced. Howat’s hospital looks for nurses who already have at least two years of ER or critical-care experience. You’ll need at least five years of experience in an ER or ICU to get airborne.
Applicants for emergency room positions should have basic CPR training in addition to advanced life-support training and pediatric advanced life-support (PALS) training. Campbell says applicants for flight nursing positions need “an alphabet soup” of certifications, including not only CPR and PALS, but also ACLS (advanced cardiac life support), PHTLS (prehospital trauma life support), NRP (neonatal resuscitation program), TNCC (trauma nursing course certified) or TNS (trauma nurse specialist).
But for those who choose this career, it’s all worth it. “Just knowing you made a difference and that you made someone’s pain go away or someone’s fear lessen — those things keep me coming back,” Howat says.
kellycna
about 1 year ago
20 comments
I know I'm just getting started in this career, but I know this is what I want to do!
casassy62688
about 1 year ago
288 comments
I definately think that the ER is where I want to be when I become a nurse. I love to continue learning anything and everything, I work on a cardiac floor right now as a PCA (a tech) and when they call a code.....my heart starts racing, but I don't get nervous, I just love the feeling of knowing that I have certain things to do to help keep that patient alive. I definately think the ER is where I'm going to belong.
NurseNess
about 1 year ago
8 comments
I never knew I was an adrenaline junkie until I started working the ER. I work in a smaller hospital, but we still see everything imaginable. There are some very frustrating moments, but I still love it!
kwindham1
about 1 year ago
10 comments
I love the ER! It does have its frustrations, but the unpredictable nature of the area is AWESOME! And yes, you DO see everything! I can truly say I have a gift for it. Love it!
MARTY259
about 1 year ago
12 comments
As an ER nurse of 12 years I found the article very informative as to what ER nurses deal with.
chattycathy79
about 1 year ago
2 comments
I would like to specialize in the ED,but as a new older grad I am finiding it hard to get my foot in the door. I need training but I have to start somewhere.
Account Removed
about 1 year ago
Working in the ER brings a great experience! Never-ending learning process and challenge!