Paramedic to RN: Where do I belong?!

Nurses General Nursing

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I am a Paramedic with seven years experience plus 3 years as a tech on a HEAVY-DUTY med-surg floor; I am currently in Excelsior program and will do my CPNE next week.

If I pass and pass NCLEX....WHERE DO I GO?

:uhoh3:

I like-

1. Labor and Delivery-very similar to an ER environment, but with more pt. teaching and, obviously, a much happier place.

2. ICU- REALLY sick people, limited whining. Just no trauma.

3. ER- hey, go with what you know...but am I limited to just this area of the hospital? Plus, whining is a big component here, ie "My ear started buzzing about three weeks ago...take me to the hospital in the big ambulance so I don't have to sit in the waiting area." Also: Really Dumb Trauma, ala Jackass-like stunts, usually involving alcohol.

4. Cardiac- I am a ACLS freak. LOVE meds and ECG's.

5. Transplants- Something good comes out of the bad things in life.

I DETEST-

1. Orthopedics-SHOCKER! I HATE TRAUMA! I can manage it, but I hate broken bones and hip replacements. My partner, luckily, lives for trauma.

2. OR-Cold, lots of standing, and well,...sterile.

3. Psych- don't care for it, but I swear, the crazies love me. They recognize their own kind I suppose.

So, there you have it. Voices of experience, give me your wisdom!!!

I was in the same boat not to many years ago. Paramedic with 10 years on the streets. I went for my first job and listed my pref as ER, ICU, & L&D. I ended up in L&D and I love it. You never know what will happen.

You understand then! All this talk about the goofiness of the ER DOES hold a certain appeal, mind you,( Memories...like corners of my mind), but I am just worried that because of my paramedic background, that is all anyone will expect of me. L&D is ALOT of fun, just like ER because...

1. Sick Humor is a must. We are talking about human reproduction and whatnot.:blushkiss

2. Working with the doc's as more of a team than "Just do what I want, I write the orders." Very hands-on stuff.

3. Lots of excitement and plenty of the unexpected from the expectant.

4. Everyone remembers a good Labor nurse!

5. To work in L&D, you really have to be sharp; not a lot of lazy nurses make it in that department.

Just an observation. Plus, babies are just too cute! (Yes, even the homely ones.)

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OK, I just nearly spit my diet Coke when I read that!

This is off topic, but ... as an aspiring ER nurse, can ya tell me how you keep from having to pick up your jaw from the floor when pts. say something like that? :rolleyes: :chuckle

You just HAVE to remember that stuff to share with your co-workers. It literally becomes the stuff that legends are made of. It is SO hard to be professional sometimes. Wierdness abounds, and I swear, people must think the ER is the Mothership.

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I was an MICT for 6 yrs before I became an RN. I naturally went to ER, as you said, stick to what you know. However, I did offer to float to other floors when needed and float I did. I have found out that I love Ortho and OB I detest med/surg and ICU. You don't know until you get there. If you are unsure of where to go, you could always start in the ER while floating to other depts and go from there. No one ever said you couldn't change depts. (I've done it 3 times!) Good luck.

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Specializes in ER, IICU, PCU, PACU, EMS.

Hi there LadyBugLass! We have a lot in common. I'm a paramedic in Texas currently going through Excelsior to obtain my RN. I'm just starting, but have thought a little about where I'd like to start out. I think I'll start out in the ER, unless I change my mind later (I have some time).

We both could probably fill a book with those strange, crazy or completely bizarre calls. My most recent "delightful" 911 call was for an icepack. I just loved that one. However, it's a part of the job and I try to make the best of it. One patient changed my attitude - elderly man c/o knee pain from tripping - didn't really want to see us, someone else had called 911 for him, but I offered to take a BP. To make a long story short- I took him to the hosital because he had a third degree heart block.

I'm curious to see where you decide to go.

Best of luck to you!

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Specializes in Trauma,ER,CCU/OHU/Nsg Ed/Nsg Research.
HEY YOU!! Are we still on for next week in Georgia? Maybe I should spend more time studying and less time on-line!

:uhoh3:

LOL...I know- I can't sleep now...getting too close! I'm kind of excited in a weird way...must be a glutton for punishment...lol. I look forward to metting you there- and BEST OF LUCK- WE CAN DO IT!!!!

Laura

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Hey you have cardiacs in ER...just ask for 'em all when they roll in...LOL!!

Sounds like you would like a CCU...if you like the hemodynamic workings of the heart you may like CVICU too. :)

Best wishes whatever you decide...you will do well. :)

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Specializes in Emergency.

Well as one who has gone the paramedic to RN route about 7 years ago, you will most quickly fit in in the ER with your experence. I went to school and got my RN. A friend of mine went the route you went and started in ICU- he told me for about the first year he felt like a fish out of water. You have the skills to think quickly on your feet but the pure nursing stuff can be slow to catch on to. 7_5_121.gif

rj

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

I love the ER - the dumb, the stupid, the insane, but the majority of patients really believe they belong in the ER. So "what is different tonight about your leg pain that you have had for 6 years??""

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