This is my first post. Long but hopefully some of you read it and its not all "TLDR" posts.
I am a 27M living in southern California (Ventura County). I struggled out of high school trying to figure out what I wanted to do. I went to my local CC and got my AA in general liberal arts & science then went onto a 4 year. I achieved my BA in psychology because it had always intrigued me but realized 3/4 of the way through it was not something I wanted to continue to pursue. So i was stuck with a basically useless bachelors degree that just was a resume builder basically. ::
I re-evaluated my career path and realized that my altruistic nature craved a more hands on patient care style career. I have always been athletic and into fitness and some friends suggested I take an EMT course. I really enjoyed it and decided immediately I wanted to continue down this path. Of course, as many EMT students, I wanted to get a job as a Firefighter/EMT at this point. I have always been athletic and thought it would be a good fit. I worked for a short time doing IFTs in LA county with a less than favorable private ambulance co making $10/hr (terrible). I then went through a Paramedic program and obtained my P-card.
That was when I really realized how interested I was in Pt care. During clinicals I realized how much I enjoyed the ED and never considered nursing as a male (stupid gender roles).
I have been working as a single functioning Paramedic (with an EMT) for a year now and have been investigating the BSN side of things. I do not have a fire academy and feel that this is what is holding me back from even applying to Fire Departments. I dont find that interesting at all. I feel as though I am only pursuing Fire for the $$, the schedule, retirement, and stability. Its ridiculously competitive and being a white male does not help.
I do not want to work as a paramedic making $14/hr. The responsibility vs compensation do not match. I do enjoy my work and do want to help people... but I have to have my own best interest as well. I knew what I was getting into but it is quite a harsh reality when you're living it. Lots of my co-workers are burnt out trying to get on fire depts and I dont want to be them.
Looking at BSN programs, I find the nursing field way more interesting/bountiful than Fire positions. Lots of areas to move into, room for growth, decent salary, decent sched, many job opportunities.. it goes on. My only concern is that my GPA during my bachelors was not great (2.5) because I didn't really apply myself. I am about to start my pre-reqs and wanted to know. Is there anyone else on here in my position?
Male?
Paramedic Experience?
Low BA GPA?
Traditional BSN vs Accelerated BSN?
etc..
Sorry it was long... I'm in a rough spot.. any advice??
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