Paramedics advance into nursing

Nurses General Nursing

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I feel that paramedics can and should be allowed to enter into bridge classes such as the LPN/LVN to RN.

This all sounds like what Excelcior College did 10 years ago...They let Es, medics and LPNs (also other allied health professions) take their coursework...Then Excelcior stopped letting EMTs in, and now some states have blocked Excelcior grads from practicing in their states (they claim too few clinical hours)

Now Excelcior has upped their clinical requirements to mirror that of a traditional curriculum...

Check w/ your state to see if one can obtain a license after the bridge program...

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Specializes in ED, Pedi Vasc access, Paramedic serving 6 towns.

I am a paramedic with an AS degree and am a nursing student currently at the same school. The school I am attending offers both, but yet they do not offer a bridge program. So when I am at work I give IV medications, intubate, IV sticks, interpet 12 lead EKG's etc etc all by myself, but as a nursing student I have to be babysat to flush an IV!!!!!!!!!!! It is very very irritating and I cannot wait to be done with it!

Swtooth

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Specializes in Education, Acute, Med/Surg, Tele, etc.

Here here and I will gladly sign any petitions! LOL! My hubby would like to switch to nursing, but we can't afford the schooling and loss of his pay during that time...if there was a bridge, then we may be able to do it. Sadly none here :(.

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Paramedic bridge to RN seems like a great program. EMT to RN may not be a great idea, the training and education is far too variable for EMT-B from what I have seen and EMT-B is just way to basic to bridge to RN.

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Specializes in Flight, ER, Transport, ICU/Critical Care.

Paramedic to RN.

Although there are programs that do a on-site "bridge" program, they are VERY scarce. I think they are very difficult for the schedules that many medics work (24/48) and tend to follow a traditional "nursing education" model - that I think can be very discouraging/frustrating for the medic. Although I know this is not universal - there are varying degrees for "medic bias" out there in certain nursing circles. Don't flame me here - I am just acknowledging a certain reality. You either accept the reality and work to function well within it - or, it will work against you. No effort required.

I went the Excelsior program route and do not and did not regret it.

I was otherwise degreed and the program - IMHO was not that demanding, when you take into account the preparation that was required for my paramedic program.

I think the "hard" part of the EC program for any discipline (EMT-P, LVN) is the fact that it appears overwhelming AND you are essentially self directed.

There are private "publishing" programs out there - offering varying assistance when you "buy" their products. IMHO, these offer little value to the otherwise motivated student and can add THOUSANDS to the costs of an EC degree. But, they have worked for some - I guess the caution here is BUYER BEWARE.

I have been working on a "project" for several months that will allow an otherwise prepared Paramedic navigate the Excelsior program. I am not selling anything. I would be glad to offer any assistance I can provide to someone that is seeking to go that route. Now, that being noted - I do not claim to be an expert, but I think having travelled that route - I am familiar with the journey. I have seen several complete the EC program and I've seen more struggle, get overwhelmed/frustrated/isolated and not do so well. They biggest reason that I have witnessed in those that do complete the program is they prepare in a logical manner and have some form of "support".

I am committed that this is not ROCKET SCIENCE and doesn't have to be that COMPLICATED. I really enjoy having other medics do well in this program, being a paramedic is my first "love". And love is grand, but nursing does pay much better. The $ tends to be the big motivation for medic to go the RN route.

For the others on this post that are interested in the EC route, I would be glad to address any questions/concerns/comments if you would like to contact me via PM. I am still working on my EC "assistance project" and I am hoping that it will evolve over the next few months.

I am reluctant to place my e-mail in the open forum, but in the PM if you feel that you can share your e-mail/name/phone I will contact you and help if I can.

Good LUCK and

Practice SAFE! :)

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Specializes in burn ICU, SICU, ER, Trauma Rapid Response.
I feel that paramedics can and should be allowed to enter into bridge classes such as the LPN/LVN to RN.

*** They already do.

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Specializes in ED, Pedi Vasc access, Paramedic serving 6 towns.

Triage..

I am a paramedic and work 36 hours plus go to nursing school full time for my RN, so it may be possible for your hubby to do it too. There are always student loans. I am not sure of your exact situation, but it might be possible :)

Swtooth

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Specializes in Education, Acute, Med/Surg, Tele, etc.

Thanks! We just got a new home and the payments are very high...need some time to pay those till they decrease monthly and then we will chose who and what schooling to do. Just have to take care of the roof over our heads first..LOL!

That is awesome that you are doing all that! Kudos and my best to you!

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