Nursing in the Emergency Department, Essay Example

Working as a nurse in the emergency department is my ultimate professional goal. Becoming a nurse will allow me to truly care for people and working in the emergency department will allow me to help people in life and death situations. Becoming a nurse in the emergency department requires hard work and dedication. Before beginning my education at Long Beach City College (LBCC), I will need to pass the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) test.Even after completing my schooling and certifications, there is no guarantee that I will be able to work in the emergency department. Some hospitals will make nurses work in another department temporarily or an open position may not be available. However, by keeping focused, I know that I stand an excellent chance of achieving my goals.

I am excited to pursue my Associate’s Degree in Nursing (ADN) at LBCC. The curriculum will be challenging, but I know that it will prepare me for my career in nursing. To give myself a competitive edge, I must study diligently and be at the top of my class. Additionally, I must ensure that my skills are superior so that if I am thrown into an emergency situation, I can act within a moment’s notice.

The TEAS test is a standardized multiple-choice test which I will have to pass before entering nursing school at LBCC. Though this examination will be used to estimate my success in nursing school, I am fortunate for having been accepted without having taken the TEAS test. The TEAS test assesses skills in math, reading, English, science, and language. The Assessment Technologies Institute (ATI) offers students preparatory courses online, complete with study guides and packages. After taking the TEAS V practice test,the ATI will provide me with my score and the information that I need to review for the actual examination.

My education does not end with my graduating LBCC. Before beginning to work in any clinical setting, I must first pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RX) and receive my Certified Emergency Nurse Certification through the Board Certification in Emergency Nursing. I also need to acknowledge the fact that the field of nursing is beginning to demand a higher education. Many decide to pursue their Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and this may offer a competitive edge in getting a position in the emergency department. However, I am very eager to begin working, so I may decide to pursue my BSN after finding a nursing position. Some hospitals may even assist with tuition.

Another way to ensure a position in the emergency room department is to find a hospital with a preceptorship program. Because retention of first year nursing graduates is low, many hospitals are finding that encouraging nurses to have a preceptorship increases the likelihood of them remaining in that department. By studying with the emergency room department, I will increase my chances of obtaining a desired position.

Due to the competitive nature of the field, I should also consider some potential alternatives if I do not work in the emergency department immediately after graduation. Other areas which are of interest to me would be working in the intensive care unit, cardiac department, or some other form of surgery. Though as of right now, I want to work in the emergency department, I may change my mind or have to deal with the reality that I may not get the exact position I want right away.

Nursing in any department requires compassion, intelligence, determination, and dedication. To work in the emergency department will take extra effort on my part, but I am certain that I will fulfill any demands. By taking the necessary steps and keeping my focus, I know that I will achieve my goals of working in the emergency department.

References

American Technologies Institute. (2013). TEAS V test prep. Retrieved from https://www.atitesting.com/Solutions/PreNursingSchool/TEAS.aspx

Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2012, March 29). Registered nurses. Retrieved from http://www.bls.gov/ooh/Healthcare/Registered-nurses.htm

Registered nursing program (ADN). (2013, October 08). Retrieved from http://www.lbcc.edu/Nursing/

Se, Y., Kwang-Ok, P., & Kim, J. (2013). Nurses’ experience of incivility in general hospitals. Korean Society of Nursing, 43(4), 453-467. Retrieved from http://synapse.koreamed.org/DOIx.php?id=10.4040/jkan.2013.43.4.453

Willemsen-McBride, T. (2010). Preceptorship planning is essential to perioperative nursing retention: Matching teaching and learning styles. Canadian Operating Room Nursing Journal, 28(1), 10-1, 16. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20373726