If you’re a nurse looking for a fast-paced environment and have a passion for helping others, emergency services might be the right place to practice. Emergency department (ED) and emergency room (ER) nursing is a specialty that requires quick thinking and the ability to keep calm and multitask under pressure.
ED and ER nurses assist patients with a range of medical issues in an emergency. They are not limited to any population or condition. Emergency nurses need to be competent in quick assessments, accurate diagnoses, and providing effective treatment.
Read on to learn more about the path of ED/ER nursing.
Emergency RN Responsibilities
ER/ED nurses’ responsibilities include a wide range of possibilities, and every shift looks different. Some of the most common tasks that nurses in the emergency room regularly handle include:
- Assessing patients
- Triage and stabilization
- Performing minor procedures
- Monitoring vital signs
- Initiating treatments
- Cleaning and suturing wounds
- Drawing blood or starting intravenous lines
- Administering medications
- Collaborating with other professionals
- Patient education
- Documentation and charting
Emergency department nurses perform these responsibilities while acting as a liaison between providers and patients. They need to be skilled in medical duties and patient-facing compassion. Since this specialty works in an emergency room or emergency department, they are typically found working in acute settings like hospitals and trauma-level medical centers.
How to Become an ER Nurse
Most nurses obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from an accredited nursing program, which typically takes four years to complete. These programs also often require math and science prerequisites, as well as a specific grade point average for admission. After obtaining a nursing degree, aspiring ER and ED nurses must pass the National Council Licensing Examination (NCLEX) to become authorized to administer patient care.
After passing the NCLEX, nurses can then become a Certified Emergency Nurse (CEN). This typically requires two years of professional experience followed by passing the Certified Emergency Nurse Examination. A CEN certification must then be renewed every four years.
Benefits of Emergency Nursing
Emergency nursing is a promising career path that is only growing in demand, opportunity, and compensation. Here are a few of the top benefits of working as an ER RN:
Demand
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurses are projected to experience a 6% job growth rate, which is faster than the average job growth rate across occupations. Emergency nursing can expect a similar growth rate, if not higher as nursing shortages continue and the aging population grows.
Competitive Compensation
The average salary for an ED Nurse in July 2025, according to Vivian, is $45.68 per hour, which is 4% higher than the nursing US average of $44.05. The actual salary earned by emergency room nurses depends on location, experience, education, and other factors.
Career Growth Opportunities
There are growth opportunities within emergency departments for ER nurses. They can further their careers with leadership positions such as clinical nurse specialists (CNS) in emergency care, nurse supervisors and managers, or even chief nursing officer (CNO). These opportunities are more prominent in trauma centers and larger facilities.
Top Locations for Travel ED and ER Nurse Jobs
The best states to practice as an emergency room or department nurse typically have three things in common: high compensation, career opportunities, and an appealing location. Here are a few locations to consider in your nursing job search.
- California: This coastal state is recognized for having the highest average salary nationwide for ER nurses. There is also a strong emphasis on workplace protection and benefits throughout California, which means that, in addition to high wages, emergency department workers in California can enjoy significant career benefits and a safe working environment.
- Massachusetts: The top-ranked hospitals across Massachusetts make this a great state to practice in as an emergency room nurse. With an emphasis on research and advanced practices, ER nurses can significantly improve their resumes by working in an emergency department in Massachusetts.
- South Carolina: South Carolina is known for its high quality of life and offers excellent opportunities for professional development in emergency departments. If ER nurses are seeking a workplace location that provides opportunities and a high-quality work-life balance, South Carolina may be the ideal fit.
- New York: With vibrant city life or beautiful small-town scenes, New York is a diverse state that makes for a great work location. Emergency departments across world-class hospitals in the state need qualified nurses, and the salaries are competitive.
- North Carolina: Why choose between beaches and mountains when some states can offer both? North Carolina has a widespread positive reputation for its quality of life, and the combination of urban and natural scenes is an appealing draw for many traveling nurses.
- Arizona: The affordable cost of living, combined with competitive salaries (particularly in the greater Phoenix area), is appealing to healthcare professionals across specialties. The population of Arizona is increasing, which directly impacts the need for nurses. Emergency care and family medicine, in particular, are popular nursing specialties in the state.
- Texas: In addition to traditional hospitals, Texas has a growing number of freestanding emergency rooms. This type of setting offers diverse opportunities for ER nurses and career growth opportunities. Texas also has no state income tax, which means nurses take home more of their earnings.
- Connecticut: This state has several hospitals that are well-known for the high-quality care they offer to patients. Connecticut is also working to implement innovative programs that improve the efficiency of ER patient care, and these models emphasize staff well-being.
- Pennsylvania: ER nurses in Pennsylvania often have access to advanced technology and equipment to support patient care, including bedside ultrasounds and emergent cardiopulmonary bypass. These resources support emergency departments in delivering quality patient care and providing nurses with valuable professional experience. This type of advanced care places trust in nurses while furthering their skill development.
ED and ER Nurse Jobs at SHC
If you’re ready for the fast-paced environment of an emergency room, Supplemental Health Care (SHC) can connect you to the right opportunity. Contact us today to learn more about local and travel emergency RN job opportunities and find the support you need in furthering your nursing career.
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