From saving lives to dealing with the occasional hypochondriac, there’s never a dull moment in the ER. So, if deskwork isn’t your thing—and adrenaline is—emergency room nursing is definitely for you. If you’re up for the challenge, there’s nothing more fulfilling than learning how to become an ER nurse.
Nurses are the unsung heroes of the emergency room. Their knowledge, skill, and compassion make all the difference in the world of emergency care. They work tirelessly to care for patients in the most critical moments of their lives, often serving as the first line of defense in an emergency.
Are you ready to take the plunge into emergency room nursing? This article will show you how to become an ER nurse. Read on to learn about the educational and licensing requirements for ER nurses, as well as salary information and job search tips.
What Is an Emergency Room Nurse?
An emergency room nurse, also known as an ER nurse, is a medical professional who provides care for patients who need immediate medical assistance due to injury or illness.
What Does an ER Nurse Do?
ER nurses work in fast-paced environments where they assess patients’ conditions, administer medications and treatments, and work with doctors and other medical professionals to care for patients who need emergency care.
They typically work long hours, often outside of the standard 9-to-5 schedule. That includes nights, weekends, holidays, and rotating 12-hour shifts.
For what it’s worth, ER nurses don’t just work in emergency rooms—they can work in ambulances, helicopters, emergency care centers, combat zones, and sports arenas. ER nurse jobs are also available on a permanent basis or via travel assignments across the country.
The typical duties of ER nurses include:
- Triaging patients.
- Administering medications and treatments.
- Performing diagnostic tests.
- Monitoring vital signs such as blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate.
- Documenting patient care.
- Communicating with other healthcare professionals.
- Providing emotional support to patients and their families.
Trauma Nurse vs. ER Nurse
Trauma nurses and ER nurses share many responsibilities. They both work in fast-paced environments where they must be able to think on their feet. However, there are some key differences between these two nursing specializations.
For example, ER nurses typically care for patients with a wide range of emergency medical conditions such as heart attacks or strokes. Trauma nurses, on the other hand, only care for patients who have experienced traumatic injuries from car accidents, falls, or other injurious events.
Also, trauma nurses are typically trained in emergency resuscitation, advanced life support, and critical care. ER nurses receive training in many of the same areas, but their focus is on a broader range of medical emergencies.
ICU Versus ER
The intensive care unit (ICU) is a specialized hospital unit that provides care for critically ill patients. It also provides constant monitoring and specialized medical attention such as life support, IV medications, and ongoing supervision of vitals.
An ER provides immediate medical attention to patients with acute illnesses or injuries. The ER is typically staffed by emergency physicians, nurses, and other medical professionals who are trained to provide immediate and life-saving care. Often, patients will be transferred to the ICU or another hospital unit once they’ve been stabilized in the ER.
Is an Emergency Department Nurse the Same as an Emergency Room Nurse?
The short answer is “yes.” “ED nurse” and “ER nurse” are terms that are often used interchangeably to describe nurses who work in the area of a hospital where patients with acute illnesses or injuries are treated.
How to Become an ER Nurse
Are you ready to learn how to become an ER nurse? The following sections will cover the skills you need, the expected timeline to get an ER nursing job, the required licensure, and credentials that can give you an advantage in your job search.
ER Nurse Skills You Need
ER nurses must be highly skilled and knowledgeable, as they may be called upon to perform a wide range of tasks and procedures, from starting IVs to performing CPR. They must also be able to think quickly and remain calm under pressure when facing highly stressful situations.
The ER nurse skills you’ll need to be successful in this position include:
- Critical thinking skills.
- Problem-solving and decision-making skills.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Compassion and empathy for patients.
- Attention to detail.
- Strong organizational skills.
- Physical stamina and the ability to stand and walk for long periods of time.
- The ability to remain calm under pressure.
How Long Does It Take to Become an ER Nurse?
It typically takes about 3 to 5 years to become an ER nurse, but this timeframe depends on whether you pursue an associate degree in nursing (AND) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), or whether you attend college full- or part-time.
The time it takes to become an ER nurse also depends on how long it takes for you to study for and pass the required licensure exam and apply for your state-issued nursing license.
Below, you’ll find specific details on how to become an ER nurse step-by-step.
Step 1: Complete Your ER Nurse Education
To become an ER nurse, you’ll need to complete either an ADN or BSN that is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) or the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
A college degree in nursing will provide you with a strong foundation in both theory and practice. The courses you can expect to take include:
- anatomy and physiology
- microbiology
- pharmacology
- health assessment
- foundations of nursing practice
- nursing ethics
Nursing school also includes clinical rotations where you get hands-on practice. Many postsecondary nursing programs require anywhere from 200 to 600 clinical hours.
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During these clinical rotations, you provide patient care, administer medications, and perform other essential nursing tasks under the supervision of an experienced nurse.
Step 2: Complete the NCLEX-RN Exam
You’ll then need to pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN). The NCLEX-RN exam is a standardized test that determines if a candidate is prepared for entry-level nursing practice. It’s administered on a computer and takes approximately six hours to complete.
The exam covers a broad range of topics related to the nursing profession, including:
- Safe and Effective Care Environment.
- Health Promotion and Maintenance.
- Psychosocial Integrity.
- Physiological Integrity.
The exam consists of 75-145 questions. These include multiple-choice questions, as well as alternative-format questions such as select-all-that-apply, fill-in-the-blank, and drag-and-drop. Additionally, the NCLEX-RN exam is designed to test an individual’s critical thinking skills and ability to apply knowledge in real-world situations.
Step 3: Obtain Your Nursing License
To apply for a nursing license, you’ll need to first check your state’s requirements. Each state has different requirements for nursing licensure.
You’ll then need to submit an application with your state’s licensing board. This typically involves filling out a form, providing documentation of your education and NCLEX-RN exam scores, and paying a fee.
Your state’s board of nursing will review your application and notify you of its decision. If you’re approved, you’ll receive your nursing license and will be ready to apply for ER nursing jobs.
Do I Need to Complete a Nursing Residency Program?
You are not required to complete a residency program to become an ER nurse. However, a residency can make you more employable in the nursing industry.
ER nursing residencies provide hands-on experience in hospital settings, where you learn how to handle high-pressure situations and develop the skills you need to work in a fast-paced ER environment. A residency is also a great way to learn how to triage patients, administer medication, and perform life-saving interventions.
Many hospitals and healthcare organizations offer nursing residency programs for new graduates. Some of them include:
Best Certifications for ER Nurses
After two years of working as an ER nurse, you can get certified through the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN). Their Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) certificate program is designed to help nurses demonstrate expertise in emergency nursing.
The CEN exam covers a wide range of topics such as trauma, cardiac care, respiratory emergencies, and more. The exam consists of 175 questions, 25 of which are pretest items that are not scored. The questions on the exam cover cardiovascular, respiratory, neurological, gastrointestinal, and psychological emergencies, as well as many others.
Nurses who pass the exam earn the CEN credential. While it’s not required to get an ER nurse job, the CEN credential demonstrates your knowledge and skill in emergency room nursing and opens up more job opportunities along with the potential for higher pay.
How Much Do ER Nurses Make?
Once you’ve learned how to become an ER nurse, take some time to find out how much ER nurses make in your area. According to Monster’s salary data, the median emergency room nurse salary is $85,844 per year. The median yearly pediatric ER nurse salary is $72,174.
Your ER nurse salary will likely depend on your educational background and experience level. Plus, the average ER nurse salary often varies by location. For example, ER nurses typically earn $94,103 per year in New York City and $92,885 in Los Angeles.
Find out what the typical ER RN salary in your area is by using Monster’s Salary Calculator. This tool will also show you where ER nurses are in high demand and which potential next steps can help advance your career.
How to Find ER Nursing Jobs
Learning how to become an ER nurse and obtaining the credentials and skills you need are the first steps to your new career.
Next, focus on landing an ER nursing job by creating a nurse resume that highlights key clinical skills such as administering medications and taking vital signs. It should also include any experience you have working in a healthcare or emergency room setting, including relevant rotations, jobs, or internships as well as your nursing degree, your state license, and any specialty certificates you’ve obtained.
Before you hit that “apply” button, create a nurse cover letter that showcases your healthcare background, personality, and enthusiasm. Be sure to discuss why you were drawn to emergency medicine and your experience working in a fast-paced healthcare environment. Also, mention your commitment to providing compassionate care to patients and their families.
When you’re ready to search for nurse jobs, consider looking in these five U.S. cities where nurses are in high demand:
- New York City
- Los Angeles
- Houston
- San Antonio
- Baltimore
Apply to ER Nursing Jobs on Monster
Now that you’ve learned how to become an ER nurse, get ready to put on your scrubs and take the next step in your nursing career. When you complete your profile on Monster, you can get free job notifications and be among the first to apply for ER nursing jobs. Plus, we’ll make it easy for job recruiters to find you in our resume database.
