EMT course for summer semester...do you think I should take it?

Nurses General Nursing

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Do you think having this class and experience will benefit my future nursing career and look favorably upon on my nursing application? There's this school I'd like to apply to and the application deadline is in Oct. (2010)

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Being an EMT has been extremely beneficial to my career as an RN. It opened up doors to getting a job in the ED and gaining basic emergency intervention skills that I have continued to use as an RN in the ICU. When my friends ask me about becoming an EMT I always recommend taking the course because even if you decide not to work on an ambulance, it gives you some perspective into basic medicine and whether to continue to persue the medical profession or not. Besides, it ALWAYS looks good on an application and in interviews. Having the EMT course/lisence is just one more thing you can elaboate on whether its on your application or in an interview. Hope this helps.

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Specializes in ER, Trauma.

I agree wholeheartedly with the above. I did EMT then nursing school, which will give you a strong foundation to build on.

During my career I was charge nurse in a level 1 trauma center and teaching hospital. It was always easy to tell the residents who'd had an EMS background. For example, a patients monitor rhythm would change suddenly and one resident wold start shouting drug orders and reach for the defib paddles. Another resident would say why don't we re attach this lead wire? The EMS background teaches you to treat the patient not the monitor, and most of all, remember the basics! Come to think of it, it's a great example of Ochams Razor. Good luck.

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Thank guys, I really appreciate it. I'm glad I get good advice and support here on this forum. I shared this with my mother today...that I enrolled in an EMT course at the local college..her reaction? "Why are you in that I thought you wanted to be a nurse."

It doesn't sound terrible reading it, but you should've heard her tone of voice. I know this type of stuff is the thing missing on my application. I told her it's good to get this type of experience and knowledge...she thinks getting into school is ALL about grades.

Thanks again, guys.

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Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

as for resume - the people who hire nurses may not consider it. But if you learn how to be a better nurse from any course that will only serve you well in the future.

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Specializes in multispecialty ICU, SICU including CV.

I think anything you can do that is medically related prior to graduating from nursing school is going to give you a leg up on other new grads. In this market, you might really, really need that extra experience. Make sure you get a job in some capacity using your EMT and that will look even better.

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Specializes in ER, Trauma.

I understand Mom's feelings, but she doesn't understand.

You'll find all sorts of emergencies in your career and in life. Being trained to think in an emergency will pay off many times. Those who don't know how to think in an emergency are the ones who panic.

If it were left up to me, the Basic EMT course would be a requirement for a high school diploma. It provides a useful lifetime skill (emergency thinking), first aid training, and basic anatomy and physiology.

I spent several years "doing it in the streets" and it's served me well. Good luck.

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Specializes in ER, Trauma.

Almost forgot. IMHO science grades are the best predictor of nursing school success. Most of the courses will be "ology"s. Biology, Microbiology, Pharmacology, Psychology, Scientology (just kidding to see if you were paying attention), and the list goes on. I think the best gut check for nursing school is to look at how you do in science classes, which strangely enough conventional wisdom says are easier for men than women. Hope you do well. I'm getting old and will need a good nurse to replace and care for me. Fair winds and following tides.

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I am a Paramedic, I finished the RN program in 2008, your main pharmacology and rhythm recognition is learned in Paramedic school. EMT-Intermediate will help you with your basic skills like IVs and definately with pt assessments. I have mad love for EMS, never had love like that for any other job, haven't found it yet in nursing.

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