New to the forum

[ljones]

I am currently going through training to become an emt-b. Not really sure if I want to become a nurse or a paramedic next. Any adivice?

 

[TransportJockey]

Welcome! I'd recommend going through Nursing school. More options, better pay, better prospects. After you become an RN you can challenge the medic exams if you really want that patch for some reason. Advancement through to a midlevel provider is easier if you're a BSN than if you're just a medic too.

 

[ljones]

Thanks! I was thinking about the better pay too...but I also want to work out of the hospital setting and in the box or on careflight. Could I still do that with the nursing degree?

 

[TransportJockey]

Thanks! I was thinking about the better pay too...but I also want to work out of the hospital setting and in the box or on careflight. Could I still do that with the nursing degree?

If you become a nurse and spend 3-5 years working in the ICU/ED you can get your FC-RN and work on flight. Some critical care ground transport teams are also made up of nurses too.

 

[ljones]

ok! Thanks for the advice

 

[VentMedic]

If you become a nurse and spend 3-5 years working in the ICU/ED you can get your FC-RN and work on flight. Some critical care ground transport teams are also made up of nurses too.

An an RN one can also do 3 - 5 years in a specialty unit such as cardiac, OB, Neonatal or Pediatrics and be on a team that has many more extended skills and protocols. They may travel throughout their state, other states or to other countries by many modes of transportation.

However, expect most of these RN jobs to require at least a BSN.

Also, when you get tired of living and working on one place, you can take 6 week to 6 month assignments just about anywhere you can get a nursing license with most of your expenses paid.

 

[MusicMedic]

This is somewhat Related to the topic, i hear they have Paramedic to RN bridge programs, i dont know how well they are

anyone know of such programs?

 

[alphatrauma]

This is somewhat Related to the topic, i hear they have Paramedic to RN bridge programs, i dont know how well they are

anyone know of such programs?

There are numerous such programs throughout the country, and range from 18-24 months, provided you have the prerequisites... a google search will set you up with quite a few hits. I know of at least 4 programs in my area alone.

 

[VentMedic]

This is somewhat Related to the topic, i hear they have Paramedic to RN bridge programs, i dont know how well they are

anyone know of such programs?

Be careful with those programs. Cut too many corners and you may not find the best employment options in the nursing field. New grads are having a difficult time right now finding any employment. The hospitals would rather bring back some of the experienced RNs. Many of the bridge programs have been eliminated due to them skipping some very essential parts which was initially "assumed" that a Paramedic might have already had. Some programs also had a less than stellar graduation rate among the Paramedic group for a variety of reasons.

 

[Sasha]

Nurse, then challenge medic.