Requirements for an ER Registered Nurse

Nurses working in emergency rooms (ER) have to be quick on their feet and make decisions at a moment's notice. In addition to general educational requirements, they have to be extensively trained for critical care. There are numerous requirements for an ER registered nurse.

Educational Requirements

The educational requirements for an ER registered nurse include earning an associate's degree or bachelor's degree in nursing. The courses include biology and anatomy classes, and those who earn bachelor's degrees take classes in business and administration.

Internship

An ER registered nurse should apply for internships at hospitals and health care facilities in order to get hands-on nursing experience.

Licensing Examination

ER registered nurses must pass state-mandated licensing examinations in order to practice nursing. Each state's department of current affairs board of registered nursing provides information on their licensing examination and certification process.

Acute Care Experience

Many hospitals require ER registered nurses to have at least 1 year of work experience as critical care or acute care nurses. In these occupations, nurses learn how to care for patients with serious injuries and how to make quick decisions when it comes to treatment and therapy.

Transport Nurses

In many hospitals, ER registered nurses become qualified to work as transport nurses, providing medical care to patients being transported to hospitals or other medical facilities via helicopter or airplane.

Resources

• Registered Nurses