Emergency Department Nurse (ED)

One way to advance your career as an ED nurse is to take the Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN) — or Certified Pediatric Emergency Nurse (CPEN) — exam following one or two years of clinical experience (most who pass have at least two-three years of ED experience). Additionally, an ED-focused RN could return to school to obtain a master’s degree as an advanced practice nurse, therefore working as an emergency nurse practitioner (ENP).

ED nurses must quickly assess and begin treatment (often in consultation with a physician) of incoming patients, prioritizing patient care based on need, available staffing, and patient acuity. In short, their job is to assess and patch up a patient as quickly as possible before sending them home or moving them to acute care or the ICU for continued monitoring.

• Abdominal pain (acute appendicitis, gastroenteritis)
• Back pain
• Broken bones or sprains
• Chest pains
• Contusions and cuts
• Diabetic ketoacidosis
• Fever
• Skin infections
• Toothaches
• Trauma or fractures
• Respiratory distress (pneumonia, infections, asthma exacerbation) 
• Allergic reaction 

To become an ED nurse, you must:

1. Complete an ADN or BSN course in nursing
2. Successfully pass the NCLEX-RN Exam to acquire your RN
3. Apply to and be working in an emergency room/department 
4. After ample experience, pass the CEN exam to become a board certified emergency nurse

Emergency Nurses Association 

• Mission: “The ENA mission is to advance excellence in emergency nursing. Our vision is to be the premier organization for the emergency nursing community worldwide.”
• Cost: $105-126, annually, depending on your state of residence.‍
• Perks: As a member, you have access to 20% off all educational and merchandise purchases, including a variety of emergency nurse online courses.