How to Become a Certified Emergency Nurse
A career in emergency nursing is one that many people choose, and for several reasons. An emergency nurse has a very rewarding job. It pays well and allows you to make your living helping others. Certified emergency nurses can normally find jobs rather easily due to a high demand.
- Decide what course you want to take to become a registered nurse. In most cases you must have experience as a registered nurse before becoming an emergency room nurse.
- Take one of the three courses available to become a registered nurse. The first is a Bachelor of Science and Nursing degree (BSN). This degree allows you to become a registered nurse as well as gives you the opportunity to combine nursing classes with other classes. Many nurses with a BSN are able to further their careers and make higher salaries. The other programs available to become a registered nurse are an ADN, which is an associate degree in nursing, and a diploma in nursing. Keep in mind that each of the courses vary in length.
- Apply with your state's health board. You must do this to register for the National Council Licensure Examination. Your state will check your criminal and academics backgrounds.
- Schedule to take the exam once the National Council Licensure Examination has given you approval. You must pass this test to become a registered nurse.
- Work as a registered nurse for two years and at least 1,000 hours. This is the requirement in most cases to be able to take the emergency nurse certification exam. Registering to take the exam and a passing score will allow you to be certified as an emergency nurse for five years. Once you have reached five years, you must either have continued your education, or take the exam again.