RNs in an ambulance- Illinois?

I can only speak for IL but the first step is to contact your EMS director. There are no standardized education steps for the pre-hospital RN license.

I have been an RN for 3 years, but my career in healthcare began as an EMT/firefighter. This is my true passion, although nursing has been extremly rewarding to me, I would be interested in some info as well. I live in a south suburb of Chicago, but Illinois is Illinois....any info would be much appriciated. If only a part time thing I would love to do it.

I am in California which might be different than Illinois. i work FULL time as a critical care transport nurse. I transport pts from Ers ICUs cath labs etc on drips vents etc. Minimum training 2 years er 2 years icu. Pass a comprehensive exam on ER, ICU, OB, PEDS, trauma ACLS, NRP, And PALS, Drip calculations a and medications. For example we transported a female with HELLP syndrome with pressors , a-line, blood, Propofol. intubated. Just an example . Good luck I LOVE what I do!

My suggestion to all those RN's who want to work on an ambulance is to ride along for a few shifts before committing to any decisions. I was a RN/Paramedic yrs ago and found working out in the field vs the ER was very different. You have RAIN, chains falling off the tires in the winter and have to stop (getting soaking wet and covered with snow) and put them back on other weather related issues. But it was fun--not a job but an adventure. Look on my past posts--RN to PARAMEDIC and ASK A CONSTRUCTION WORKER FOR 4X4's for more info...

I love my pre-hospital volunteer work: yes, you do get stuck in the snow, yes, you get wet in the rain and yes, there is NEVER EVER enough light in any house you go into - lol! Wouldn't give it up though.

Viper:

I agree with picuman....the minimum is 2 in the ER and 2 in the ICU. You also have to be an EMT-B at minimum. I also do Critical Care transports from hospital to hospital and I had 14 years between ER's and ICU's before taking this position on the SCTU. I love my job, however, you need to feel comfortable with your skills as you are IT in the back of the rig. Sometimes I go with an EMT driver and myself as an RN in with the patient. If the patient crashes, you have to know your state standing orders word for word and order for order. Then you need to contact medical control and work from there. My point is...there are minimums....but I say to make sure you are comfortable with your own skills: intubation, code leader ACLS, PALS, NEOnatal rescucitation, Trauma, Vent management, balloon pumps, drips, pressors...just to name a few. Its a great 1:1 job for an RN, but it has its moments when the chit hits the fan and its just you and the patient in the back of a rolling mini-hospital....and you have to come through. Now that I have scared the crap out of you...go for it....but get a good foundation first.
Ken

TraumaRUs, where are you located?

RL

Get your PHRN and call Advanced Medical Transport of Central Illinois, (Peoria) they are currently using nurses in the field running 911 calls along with Critical Care Transfers. The pay is great and from what I hear the nurses love it.

www.amtci.org