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What Does an Emergency Nurse Do?

Emergency nurses must assess and respond correctly to all traumatic injuries and acute illnesses with speed, professionalism, and compassion. They treat patients of all ages in the ER, a poison control center, a helicopter, or anywhere emergency medical care is needed.

In addition, they may also educate the public on safety issues such as car seats or work as administrators to improve emergency care.

Education and Training Required to Become an Emergency Nurse

Emergency nurses are registered nurses (RN) that have received specialized training in acute trauma and have passed the National Council Licensure Examination. Most continue to update their certification in fields like injury prevention. These three routes to become an emergency nurse all include clinical experience and classroom instruction:

• Hospital diploma program
• Two- to three-year associate's degree in nursing (ADN)
• Four-year bachelor's of science degree in nursing (BSN), which gives the most opportunity for advancement

There are many flexible online degree programs in emergency nursing as an alternative to traditional study.

Typical Characteristics of an Emergency Nurse

In addition to being compassionate, detail-oriented, and responsible, emergency nurses must remain calm and focused in highly stressful situations. You'll be expected to handle pain, graphic injury, and intense emotions with composure.

Your skill set should include assessing illnesses of all kinds, communicating with patients and their families, and working well in a team of health care professionals. Since nursing is physically demanding, you'll need to be in solid health.

High Demand for Emergency Nurses

Nursing employs the most workers of any health care occupation. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports an amazing 22 percent rate of growth through 2018. As of May 2008, nurses earned an average median salary of $62,450.

Emergency room nursing is an intense and complex vocation requiring in-depth and on-going education. Your work can improve and even save people's lives. An emergency nursing degree programs can prepare you for this fast-paced and rewarding profession.