OK how do I get off the floor and into ER?

I've been in med-surg for 8 or 10 years. I'm done with it, it's arguing with families and doctors and about every 3 weeks another mandatory form is added to the stack of forms and charting I already do. I want to get into ER but except for floating there years ago at a different hospital, I have no experience. Other than that, my clinical skills are great.

So what to do? Apply and ask for a trial by fire? Is that smart? Is that possible?
It is possible. Most places will offer a 90 day probation period, and if you absolutely despise it after that, then as you know, your options are endless. However, I have ED experience, and there is always going to be family, doctor, nurse, et.c disputes. Not to mention the intoxicated, homeless, and beligerant patients. But if you need a change of scenery, the ED will definitely offer you that, in comparison with what you're used to. Best of luck!

How to get off the floor? Pick yourself up lol... sorry... Yes, possible. Show interest, attend a few ER CEs, make a friend there. Look at the requirements and start knocking them off, ACLS, PALS, TNCC, PHTLS, ENPC, CEN whatever... If you decide you will become an ER nurse, you will. Start taking the steps that will lead you there. If it doesn't work out at your hospital, apply elsewhere. ER needs people who are adaptable, can go with the flow, can multitask, prioritize, and work with what they're given. In my opinion these qualities are more important than actual experience, because anyone can learn the details if they have the ability. But I'm not your future boss. Find out what they want, then get it. They might be concerned that, from med-surg, you might not have the knowledge to rapidly identify problems. Most ER assessments are brief and single system focused. You have to be able to be comfortable with that. There usually just isn't time to follow the nursing "ideal" of a holistic assessment. Not everyone can adapt to a routine of no routine. If it's your passion, then go! ER medicine is see it treat it. Although not all patients are dying, you need to be able to see the dying patients right off and start intervening. If you can address these issues you will be able to get hired. Good luck!

Oh man, if you're tired of arguing families the ER will offer no relief from that.Otherwise, ER is exhausting, frustrating, aggravating, and fun! What the other posters have suggested is good advice. Network!

Nurse 2033 gives an excellent answer. I point out that ER nursing is back-wards in a sense. On the floor, the first thing you might look at in your assignment is a patient's diagnosis. In the ER a diagnosis is about the last thing a patient gets before discharge or admission. This provides opportunity for working much closer with the patient and the docs, and soon you know the treatment algorithm for most complaints and can initiate the process to expedite things. Above all else, remember that nobody is born knowing how to be an ER nurse. We all had to learn, and if you and fate so choose, soon it'll be your turn to learn. ER nursing isn't for everyone. You MUST either love it or leave it.

Quote from johntemperI've been in med-surg for 8 or 10 years. I'm done with it, it's arguing with families and doctors and about every 3 weeks another mandatory form is added to the stack of forms and charting I already do. I want to get into ER but except for floating there years ago at a different hospital, I have no experience. Other than that, my clinical skills are great. So what to do? Apply and ask for a trial by fire? Is that smart? Is that possible?