[GeorgiaBoy61]

Hello-

Thanks everyone who contributed to the previous thread on RN to EMT/paramedic pathway.

Does anyone know of any bridge courses offered in the Chicago, IL area?
I used to be a basic EMT-A (the equivalent of an EMT-B now, if I understand the new system) in IL in the late 1980s, but allowed my license to lapse. I hold a valid RN and have med-surg but no ACLS, PALS etc. yet.

Ultimately, I'd like to get a paramedic cert. down the road, but for now, getting an EMT-B and National registry would be a good start. Once I get some ICU or ED experience, then I can shoot for the paramedic license.

Anyone know the fastest way to do this? Obviously since I've been through an EMT course already, and remember it well, my preference would be a quick bridge course. Talked to Creighton, which one of you mentioned, but they are not offering it until March 2007.

Any other ideas? I can travel out of state for a week or two as needed.

Thanks for your help!

[EricEnfermero]

You might try the Illinois Forum for more responses.

[medic165]

there's no need to get your EMT-B. RN's can work in a "Critical care ambulance" on the private sector. You get to work with two "critical care paramedics" in the ambulance. The service provider is here in Chicago and suburbs. You do about 3-5 runs per shift, and most are emergency calls. As far as getting your EMT-B, you can get it in less than one month, for free, if you agree to work for this provider. Let me know if you need more info.

[traumaRUs]

IL also has a pre-hospital RN option. I live downstate IL in a rural area and have a PHRN license also. I volunteer on my EMS/fire dept.

[MedicRN111]

Originally Posted by medic165

there's no need to get your EMT-B. RN's can work in a "Critical care ambulance" on the private sector. You get to work with two "critical care paramedics" in the ambulance. The service provider is here in Chicago and suburbs. You do about 3-5 runs per shift, and most are emergency calls. As far as getting your EMT-B, you can get it in less than one month, for free, if you agree to work for this provider. Let me know if you need more info.

This is correct, but dont get to excited. You cannot have any Pt contact nor perform any medical care. While on any ground unit it is the Paramedic that has ultimate Pt control and care. As working in the field, is out of a RN's scope of practice. You will sit and watch and basically remain quiet.

[Edelee]

Originally Posted by traumaRUs

IL also has a pre-hospital RN option. I live downstate IL in a rural area and have a PHRN license also. I volunteer on my EMS/fire dept.

Hi, Im new to the forum, Im a student nurse in the UK, would like to move to the US for a while when I qualify, and my main aim is to persue my goal of becoming a Paramedic.

Im really interested in this PHRN role - What exactly are these nurses allowed to do?


Thanks.

[hiddencat]

In Pennsylvania, as an RN you can challenge the paramedic exam. If you pass, you get your paramedic cert. But apparently this is very, very hard to do.

[medic165]

Originally Posted by hiddencat

In Pennsylvania, as an RN you can challenge the paramedic exam. If you pass, you get your paramedic cert. But apparently this is very, very hard to do.

I'm sure any RN can challenge and pass the medic exam as long as there's plenty of study and knowledge on pre-hospital care, since there are way too many differences between the two.

[SMY2367]

Originally Posted by traumaRUs

IL also has a pre-hospital RN option. I live downstate IL in a rural area and have a PHRN license also. I volunteer on my EMS/fire dept.

I live in IL, just graduated nursing school. I am starting in an ER in July. I took the EMT-B class last summer, but never took the exam for my license (there was confusion over whether I would have to take the National or the State). Should I bother getting my EMT license? I am interested in volunteering as PHRN. How do you become one? Thanks!