RN Who Wants To Become A Paramedic???

[All4NursingRN]

Odd I know I know. But being in the ER seeing the paramedics bring us the critical/trauma patients and proceed to present the case to us and what was done on the field really exhilarates me.

In fact when I was in my late teens (now in my early 20's) I wanted to become a paramedic, mostly because I was always glued to the discovery health channel watching trauma life in the ER and Paramedics, but nursing found me lol.

I had taken my ACLS class a few months ago and was intrigued by how knowledgeable the paramedic was and even more curious after all the stories he told.

I'm an adrenaline junkie, and relish in traumas and critical situations. I feel heroic!

Being the first on the scene, intubating.......

Am I over my head? I know many may think who goes backwards? But I really think it can be resourceful to my nursing career???

[kalebfrierson]

"I know many may think who goes backwards?" I do not think this is a step back in any way, if anything it is a step forward. Paramedics can do essentially every thing that a Medical Doctor can do. Paramedics can intubate, perform an instant tracheotomy, administer many drugs, give IV's, read an EKG and heart monitor, access traumas, illness, and medical conditions and then treat them with out even having a doctor's orders. There are very few things that a paramedic needs permission to do. Nurses get payed more, and use some more medications, and have much more room to work, and a very controlled environment which are things that paramedics do not have. Although it is a great job, and you help so many people paramedics do not make as much money, but a solution to that (the same thing I do) is volunteering as a paramedic at a city ambulance company on one night a week and work as a nurse on your regular shift at the hospital. This gives you good income and a great experience and spread of knowledge.

[CowboyMedic, DNP, APRN, CRNA]

Paramedics are still following physician's orders when they follow their protocols. The difference is the Paramedic uses their assessments to choose how to follow those protocols. Pay is horrible due to the lack of reimbursement from medicare, medicaid, and insurance compared to hospitals.

[traumaholic, BSN, RN]

Paramedics are still following physician's orders when they follow their protocols. The difference is the Paramedic uses their assessments to choose how to follow those protocols. Pay is horrible due to the lack of reimbursement from medicare, medicaid, and insurance compared to hospitals.

Just curious if you were a nurse or Paramedic first? I was going to go to paramedic school but now I am thinking I wont go until after nursing shcool.