Should I become an EMT?

Nursing Students CNA/MA

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I'm trying to think of things that would benefit my career in the long term if I do not get to start nursing school this fall. I am currently a CNA and have all pre reqs done for various nursing programs. I am wondering if becoming an EMT (one term) and working as a EMT instead of as a CNA would be beneficial. I'm pretty much sick of home health and am currently looking for a job in LTC. Or maybe if I become an EMT I could work as a PCT instead of a CNA which would be awesome....

The only phlebotomy classes I have been able to find are part of LVN programs or offered through hospitals only for employees... I would love to take a EKG course, my favorite subject in pathophysiology was the few EKG interpretations we learned! I'm not sure if there are any more A&P courses I can take, I took a three term series that had intro to A&P as a pre req. I'm pondering taking genetics or molecular bio but I don't see that being helpful in the future. I'm guess I need to look into taking an EKG class now!

Specializes in ER, Med-surg.

I was thinking of taking phlebotomy and EKG classes too, but are these topics covered in nursing school? If they cover it in NS, I don't see a point to dishing out extra money to take it in a different venue. I've heard people say that you don't learn how to start an IV in school. Is this true?

I was thinking of taking phlebotomy and EKG classes too, but are these topics covered in nursing school? If they cover it in NS, I don't see a point to dishing out extra money to take it in a different venue. I've heard people say that you don't learn how to start an IV in school. Is this true?

I *think* it depends on the program and LVN/LPN's do not learn to start IV's but RNs do. I might be wrong though!

I'm going to try to 'sneak in' to signing up for this class that is offered online in addition to taking an in person EMT course (or maybe instead of if I land a new and perfect job;)

PreParamedic Transition: An intense course with anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and EKG interpretation, and the relationship to the paramedics environment.

I could really benefit from the pharmacology and EKG interpretation!

I have been an EMT for the past fifteen years and have spent all of that running on a volunteer ambulance. I am now five weeks away from graduating with my lpn and I can thank all of my years as an EMT for making nursing school so easy!!! There have been many times where the paramedics are not on scene and you use your critical thinking skills to keep your patient alive. You aren't just an "ambulance driver" and the experience you get will pay for itself. Definitely paid off to have that cert for nursing school!!!

I have to disagree with kbenson, I was an EMT and it gave me all sorts of bad "field" habits they are trying to drum out of me in nursing school!

I found being an EMT of almost no value when starting out as a CNA/PCT, so I cant imagine it being of much value as an RN.

I thought I would be overqualified as a CNA, but the jobs are so different that its like saying I dont need to learn to be a plumber because I was already an auto mechanic.

I have been looking around to see what requirements the RNs' in the hospital require. Most places like ER/Cardiac require EMT-Basic. Depends on your area.

Specializes in PACU, LTC, Med-Surg, Telemetry, Psych.

From what I have experienced:

CNA

A bit easier to find a job, but most jobs available are in Nursing Homes and includes LOTS of cleaning crap, diapers, dealing with families, etc.

You have choices on where you can work. There are psych units, LTACs, Hospice, Home Health, Hospitals, as well as the dreaded LTC.

EMT-B

Unless you are in a good area, makes less than the top pay for a CNA. However, you make up for it with insane hours. You have much more autonomy than a CNA. You only have the paramedic to order you around and another boss you infrequently see. A floor CNA has the nurses, admins, families, even nosy co-workers "watching".

EMTs never change diapers. Though, you will see blood and gore.

EMTs almost exclusively work on ambulances, although I have known some get tech jobs in an ER with experience. Some cities may only have one or two companies that hire EMTs over a geographic area.

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