RN + Paramedic

[MarcusKspn]

Hello everyone,

I'm an LPN working on my prereqs for getting my RN license. I want to end up working ER. While I'm taking my Anatomy, etc.., I'm also taking an Basic EMT class. I would like to get my Paramedic license together with my RN license. I was just wondering how many people have both a Nursing and an EMT license of any level. Do you recommend both, or is it a waste of time? I know that in the far future my ultimate goal would be being a flight nurse in a helicopter. What do you think? Is this a good path to go or not?

Thanks for any input.

[veetach]

Guys I hate to tell you this but you can't "Mix" skills for the two. You can only use the skills that are in the scope of practice for the job you are in.

After being a Paramedic for 25 years, I finally realized, that I am and always will be now a nurse. Fortunatly I live in a state that allows RN's to work pre-hospital.

Now as to the training, by all means if your state does'nt have a pre-hosptial Rn certificiation and you plan on becoming a flight nurse,then getting your EMT-P would be helpfull.

I'm proud of the traiing and the experience I got as a Paramedic. But I can't be both at the same time.

I tend to agree with Craig. I also live in a state that honors PH-RN's. Our helicopter crews all come equipped with a paramedic AND an Rn. All of the medics/Rn's that I know (who do not ride the helicopter) have let their EMT-P lapse in favor of their RN.

[CraigB-RN, MSN, RN]

Again it comes down to what scope you are working under. If it's not allowed under your RN scope of practice, with is what you are hired and working under in your ER, then you're in a very grey area. If it's under completly in your RN scope of practice as defined by your state BON, then again why the EMT-P.

The EMT-P just happens to be were I got these specific skills. I've worked with other RN's over the years that didn't hve the EMT-P but had aquirted this knowledge and skills in other ways.

Once you accepted the nursing license, and are working as an RN. Your EMT-P is just that. Education and history. Now if your still working pre-hospital in a state that doesn't recognize RN's in the prehospital arena, then the EMT-P is necesary. But you can't cross the EMT-P scope of practice in the back of the ambulance.

I do admit to after 25 years not having that NREMTP after my name sometimes makes me twinge. But I"ve moved on.

p.s. Being an aggressive ex pre-hosptial provider has sure made the ACNP cliical stuff go much easier. :)