How to Transition from Med Surg or Telemetry to ER Travel Nursing
Thinking about leaving your Med Surg or Telemetry role to explore the fast-paced world of Emergency Room (ER) travel nursing? You’re not alone. Many nurses are drawn to the nature of emergency care and the flexibility that travel nursing offers. This transition requires preparation, adaptability, and a clear roadmap to success, which we can help with!
Why Transition to ER Travel Nursing?
Let’s understand the “why?” Why do so many nurses transition from Med Surg or Telemetry to the ER? Here are some reasons:
- Dynamic Work Environment: The ER is unpredictable and fast-paced, handling a variety of cases ranging from routine injuries to life-threatening emergencies.
- Broader Skill Set: ER nursing requires rapid decision-making and exposure to diverse medical scenarios, skills that can take your career to the next level.
- Travel Freedom: Travel nursing allows you to explore new cities, meet different healthcare teams, and potentially earn higher pay.
- Career Growth: ER experience can open doors to leadership roles, critical care positions, or specialized certifications like trauma or flight nursing.
If these career opportunities excite you, the ER may be your calling.
Preparing for the Transition
Transitioning specialties can feel overwhelming, but with the right approach, you can pave the way for a successful shift into ER travel nursing.
1. Assess Your Current Skill Set
Your experience in Med Surg or Telemetry already lays a strong foundation. Both areas hone critical thinking, care coordination, and patient assessment skills. ER nursing will challenge you to expand these abilities under high-pressure circumstances.
Skills to Develop:
- Rapid Assessment: ER nursing requires quick, accurate patient assessments. Familiarize yourself with the ABCDE approach (Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, Exposure).
- Critical Thinking Under Pressure: Hone your ability to make split-second decisions, especially in trauma-related scenarios.
- Prioritization: The ER often follows a triage system. Learn to identify and address the most critical conditions first.
2. Gain Relevant Certifications
Certifications are crucial in the ER environment and usually required for travel nurses. If you don’t already have them, consider pursuing the following:
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) required for ER nurses
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) to prepare for pediatric emergencies
- Trauma Nursing Core Course (TNCC) for essential trauma care skills
- Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) to demonstrate advanced emergency nursing expertise (not mandatory but highly valued)
Many hospitals and organizations offer subsidized or free courses for nurses pursuing specialty certifications. Don't hesitate to ask your current employer about these opportunities.
3. Gain ER Exposure
If possible, try to shadow in the ER or pick up per diem shifts to familiarize yourself with the energy and expectations of emergency care. Some facilities might even allow Med Surg or Telemetry nurses to float to the ER for occasional shifts, giving you first-hand experience.
Pro tip: Communicate your interest in transitioning to ER nursing with your manager. They might connect you with current ER nurses who can mentor you.
4. Practice Charting Systems
Many ER departments use advanced charting systems like EPIC or Cerner for patient documentation. If you’re not already familiar with these systems, take time to research and practice.
Securing an ER Travel Nursing Contract
Once you’re confident in your skills and certifications, it’s time to pursue your first contract as an ER travel nurse.
1. Choose the Right Staffing Agency
Not all travel nursing agencies are created equal. Look for a reputable agency, like AMN Healthcare, that specializes in placements for ER nurses and has good reviews from other travel nurses.
2. Tailor Your Resume
Your nursing resume should highlight skills relevant to ER nursing. Here are some tips for improving your resume:
- Focus on transferable skills such as patient assessment, care prioritization, and collaboration
- List all certifications (e.g., ACLS, PALS, TNCC, etc.)
- Highlight scenarios where you successfully managed high-pressure situations in Med Surg or Telemetry
3. Be Flexible with Locations
New travel nurses might need to start in areas with high demand and slightly fewer requirements. Once you've gained some ER travel experience, you can negotiate for assignments in more desirable locations.
4. Nail Your Interviews
During interviews, facilities will look for candidates who can handle the unpredictability of ER nursing. Be ready to discuss:
- How you've managed emergencies in your current role
- Your ability to handle multiple patients with varying needs
- Examples of quick decision-making from your past experiences
Making the Move to ER Travel Nursing
Transitioning from Med Surg or Telemetry to ER travel nursing is an opportunity to grow personally and professionally. Take the leap, start your certifications, and connect with AMN Healthcare today. The ER is waiting for talented, passionate nurses like you.
