EMT Starting RN program anyone else go down this road?

Nurses Men

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I started an EMT course 2 years ago and my original goal was to become a firefighter, but the longer I worked as an EMT the more I realized that RN would be a better fit for me. I'm currently 21 and hopefully if my loans get approved ill be starting a BSN RN program. Just was wondering if anyone got into medical to be a firefighter and found out that RN was a way better fit for them than fire.

Specializes in High Acuity / Emergency / Trauma.

Been an EMT-B for about 4 years prior to starting for my BSN. Similar situation. I am graduating this weekend. I agree with keeping it on the down low and not letting everyone know. It does make your journey a little harder when people find out.

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I went straight from EMT to CNA to nursing school. I start this fall. I think its the right decision.

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Specializes in Peds, ER.

I started my RN career last year at the age of 36. I kinda took the long way getting there with five years EMT-B, three years ER-Tech, then two more years out in the field working Critical Care Transport and EMT Field Supervisor. It was my nurse coworkers who encouraged me to stop "wasting my time" and go back to school. With ten years under my belt before ever stepping into the student nurse role I didn't mind the challenges of being singled out by the instructors. Like others mentioned, it can open a lot of doors for you that your classmates dare not step through (such as successfully getting an IV started first poke on a dehydrated ten day old infant after watching my preceptor lose her nerve). One of the challenges I did not see anybody else mention is the change in ones scope of practice. As a first year student it doesn't matter how many years of wound care or venipunture experience you have, if you and your classmates have not been "checked off" on those skills, you are not funtioning within the scope of your new role.

Good luck to all who are just starting out or thinking about heading down this path. Most of the guys I know in nursing started in the field (military and civilian), and worked their way up to a level which they feel fit better for one reason or another. Personally, the only thing I would change is the ten years it took me to take the first step. Then again, it's the experience I brought with me that allowed me to kick back and enjoy myself.

As an unrelated side note, my wife of 12 years made it into and through the program with me. We were duking it out for top of the class, and while I edged her out in the end, secretly I think she's smarter than me. I had years of related experience to draw from. She started taking her pre-reqs after spending ten years as a homemaker/mother of our three kids. So for those of you who as are gearing up to tackle the student role as a family man - do it! There will be challenges, but it can be done. You will not regret it.

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Specializes in Trauma, ER, ICU, CCU, PACU, GI, Cardiology, OR.

in our last bunch of nursing students i had the pleasure to meet 4 emt's that were in the bsn program it is getting to be the norm. with that said, i wish everyone the very best always...aloha~

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I made a career change back in 2010 and earned my EMT license in Spring of 2011. I only took the NREMT and skills one time. :yeah: It'a been one of the best decisions I've made in my adult life. After the NREMT I got a job at a county service and I've been there for 2 years now, and although the EMT scope of practice is limited here I have a couple of partners who allow me to make first patient contact and take patient care.

The experience on the ambulance has been good, even the bad experiences. Working with other professionals has taught me new things and reinforcedwhat I already knew like how to perform an assessment, making use of a slide board, head injuries in semi-fowler's, treat the patient not the monitor. More than anything I've learned the importance of professionalism.

I just wrapped up my pre-reqs and was accepted into the ADN program this Fall. As a family man working 48 hours a week I'm counting on a rough ride. Got my wife on my side though. She supports me and I'm certainly encouraged by the posts I've read from others here.

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Specializes in Emergency Medicine.

I used to be an EMT/Firefighter. I changed my career as a RN. I currently have my BSN and I am waiting to get in to a MSN Program at USF. I am happy with my decision and don't look back. In the ER many of my coworkers and patients respect me so I am very Happy with career change.

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Specializes in ICU + Infection Prevention.

In clinical, if they know you are an EMT you will sometimes get more interesting patients or procedures.

You may also miss out of some things that you aren't experienced with because some nurses will assume you've seen it and give the opportunity to others.

Share the info smartly.

Nursing school will cover the entire 72 hours of NREMT recert as long as you get someone to sign off on your skills. If your recert period splits your school period, you might get two recert cycles fulfilled by school depending when you take OB and peds.

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Specializes in Adult/Ped Emergency and Trauma.

One of the nurses I work with in ER is getting EMT training now to do ride-alongs, and some first responder work with American Medical Response, and to "beef up her resume," she said. It's offered complimentary by their company if you do a minimum of 5 ride assists per month for a year.

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Specializes in RN-BC, CCRN, TCRN, CEN.

I was an EMT/ ER Tech. Best 2 years of experience I could ask for. I got so much experience in the ED, I'm way ahead others in school, and the teachers and classmates notice. Sure, I get made fun of for my constant "this one time in the ER..." stories, but its all in good fun. I agree with the others- EMS is definitely different, but the skills you learn are often an asset, no matter where you work. No offense to RNs out there, but have you ever seen a nurse try to backboard someone? Its just a different specialty with a different skill set.

Its interesting, the more EMS work I did, the more I loved working in the field and questioned my RN career. Well, my roommate, who is just finishing his medic program after giving up on nursing, said he doesn't really see a good future for himself. Around here all we have is fire-based EMS, so to be a medic in the field (ie: not doing general transport), you need to get on with Phoenix Fire or surrounding crews.

I think you're making a good call by going for the RN. Hey, in some states, you can actually challenge the NREMT-P and get your medic after your RN to have both. Makes an easy second gig for overtime and stuff (actually heard that from a FF when we got to discussing our careers on a call once). I'm looking into doing this when I'm done in May. It also helps with getting a flight nurse job if that's a route you'd like to pursue.

Good luck bro!

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I was (and still am) a volunteer EMT and fire fighter. The patient care experience you get as an EMT is valuable in nursing however, as others have noted, the scope of practice between the two is very different.

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Specializes in Emergency Medicine.

I am currently trying to apply for a position with the Police Department as a Tactical Medic for SWAT... My credentials include (POST (Peace Officer Standard Training Cert.), EMT, RN BSN)... I hope I can score that position... Being an EMT does open doors for ya...

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Have you seen the movie nemesis. Im a trekker so I bring this up because of those final minutes in the movie. When commander Riker (now captain of his well deserved ship) aproached capt Picard for his permission to disembark. He look his mentor in the eyes, heartwarmly saying " serving with you this 15 years had been an honor". Well I have been a paramedic since 1991. Got promoted to field supervisor on 2005. In 2012 I began my ASN knowing BSN is my next stop. Being a paramedic has been a honor. But now my last few years Insted of risking injury in the streets I prefers to bring my prehospital know hows to hospital setting. As a student I didnt keep secret my 20+ years of service. I help my profesors aiding them with pt care prehospital perspectives. Help my costudent with their inquiries sharing my street savvy methods of getting the most of hx taking. I know its not exatly the same as a paramedic while conducting a medical interview the surrondigns of the patients also give information regarding the chief complain. At a hospital a nurse just have the word of the pt or a next of kin. Well just wanted to share my view. Im still workin 40hrs a week as supervisor for third service for the goverment of PR. Hoping to get a job in SJ VA. If get the job then I ll start my BSN. My challenge for now is decidng if ER is the place to be or ICU . Teaching is appealing to. But for now I'll let universe unfolds as it should.

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