How many years does it take to become an ER Nurse?

Answer 1

An ER nurse is usually an registered nurse. However, there is a nursing shortage and some hospitals allow LPN or LVN to work in the ER under the direction of an RN. The requirements for a RN license can be completion of a 2 year associate degree in nursing, or completeion of 4 years in a BSN program. Either degree will allow you to take the nurse board examination. In the past hospitals required the nurse to work in ICU for 1 year prior to working in ER. Most ICU nurses were required to work on a med/surg unit for 1 year. So, in the old days it would take at least 2 years working in the above units to be eligible to work in the ER. However, again because of the nursing shortage, hospitals are hiring nurses directly from nursing school to work in ICU and/or ER. Upon graduation from nursing school, most states pay the 2 year nurse and the 4 year nurse the same salary. Scary thought: it is possible for a person with a GED-attend a 2 year community college, barely pass the nursing board and begin working the ER triage desk and make life and death decesions for those who are fortunate enough to have insurance. Of course those who don't have insurance will die at the receptionist intake desk, and never see the triage nurse. SIDEBAR: Admission to a Nursing School Program ( even at the Community college level ) requires better than average grades in college pre requisites ( liberal arts, math & sciences). This could mean 2-4 semesters of coursework beyond the high school/ GED level BEFORE you even enter an Nursing School. Nursing School applicants have to pass an entrance exam - similar to that of the ACT/SAT. The sciences Chemistry, Anatomy, Biology have a heavy concentration - AND - college level math is also assessed as well as english/verbal reasoning. IF you are accepted into a Nursing Program an RN CAN be achieved in 2 years IF the student attends classes year round, passes ALL courses on their 1st try AND completes clinicals AND their licensing exam. Once you have your license the ER is an awesome place to hone your craft - and as a newbie Nurse you will have a chance to demonstrate whether or not you are right for an environment such as the ER.

Answer 2

it takes four years