[CraigB-RN]

Slowing down and focusing on becoming the best ER or Critical Care Nurse you can be wasn't' a joke. Don't worry about bridging the paramedic till you get the critical care experience. The EMT-P may not be needed,depending on were you are. Here in GA there aren't enough EMT-P/RN's so being both isn't needed.

1. Finish Nursing School
2. Get a job in a high acuity/progressive ICU (my preference is a SICU, but that's just were I like to be)
3. Study hard while working so after a year you can take (and pass) the CCRN exam
4 Or you could get a job in high acuity ER and take CEN. It's all your choice.
5. After you get the job down, start collecting the alphabet soup. ACLS, TNCC, PALS, ENPC and when possible, get your instructor card in them.
6. Take an EMT class at local community college ot fire dept.
7. Network, network, network. go to CEU offerings by flight services, ENA meeting, etc. If your in a part of VA that uses volunteers, start volunteering as an EMT
8. Then start looking at flight services.
9. Then start looking at EMT-P programs. he most popular bridge program requires you to have critical care/ER experience to get into it.



Age is just a number. DOn't worry about it. Be health, and in good shape. If your worried about upper body strength then start working out. You may just find that you like ICU or ER and not want to fly after you get into it. There is also ground critical care transport to try also.

[mt3]

CraigB
Thank You for all the great advice. I didn't mean to sound like I was joking...I'm just the type of person that needs a detailed plan, even if it takes 5+ years. It is a list of goals for me to accomplish. I try to be the best at everything I do.