Advice?

RN-to-paramedic programs do exist out there, which might be something to check out. I'm an RN and still an active paramedic as well. :)

Lunah, my college (PVCC) offers an RN-to-paramedic program, but it's not something you can just get into, they require a certain amount or experience first. I love the idea of being a paramedic and RN, it seems like a good opportunity to escape the hospital setting every once in awhile.

Have you looked at Spotsylvania Regional? Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center - Home Page -- relatively new, near Fredericksburg. Probably a little more than an hour from you in C'ville -- an hour and a half, maybe?

Huh, I haven't seen this hospital in my search for some reason, thanks Lunah! :)

Being a Paramedic is one way to escape the hospital setting but you can do that as an RN also. Critical Care Transport and Specialty Teams are incredible opportunities for RNs. But, this will come after you get a few years of experience as a nurse. The BSN will also be helpful if you want to go towards a Specialty unit and tranport transport team.

If you work as a Paramedic on transport you may forget the limitations and accept responsibility for a med or device that is routine to you as an RN but out of the scope of practice as a Paramedic. This could get both licenses into trouble if your medical director has not agreed to a scope of practice to cover your RN license. This issue may not come up as much with just 911 EMS calls. But, if you do go that route, read the find print of both licenses and the scope of practices. The RN to Paramedic bridge program may point this out in greater detail than if you were to take a regular Paramedic course.

However, the RN to Paramedic bridge program is not a bad idea since it appears Virginia offers it. You can get your EMT-Basic and start volunteering with an ambulance service if nothing paid comes along for either RN or EMT. Of course I wouldn't drop the idea of the BSN. The EMT-B program is essentially first-aid and that class shouldn't be too much additional stress. It is a decent course to have just for general knowledge also.

My paramedic education did come with an associates degree (I went through a local community college's paramedic program)

Many community colleges have offered degrees for the Paramedic since the early 1970s. However, since the states don't require the degree, colleges generally have the certificate option. They had to do this to stay competitive with the private votechs. The FDs would take their contracts to the votechs or start their own program and many have because they can get the students through the programs faster. Some community colleges have even redesigned and renamed their Paramedic programs to be "academies". Even with the availability of degrees for the Paramedic, less than 30% actually finish the degree. Those that do obtain a degree may get it in another profession like nursing or Fire Science.

GreyGull, again thanks for the insight. Critical care transport sounds awesome! I love the idea of being an RN but working outside of the hospital. I will also look into the EMT-B volunteer thing, that is just the sort of thing I'm looking for. :)

I have actually worked some shifts at Spotsylvania and it isn't too bad, very nice facilities. what You need to call the department that you are interested in working in, speak to the person who hires people for that department as well as talking to Human resources. DO NOT depend solely on putting in your application to HR, they take months to forward applications to directors.

Also, if you are interested in working in an ER, EMS experience would improve your chances of being hired with out previous ER experience. Also in Virginia there are many EMS agencies where you can volunteer and you don't have to have your EMT to start, in fact they may have classes available at the agency you volunteer at.

If you decide you are interested in coming to the Richmond area, let me know, I can give you some info on the area hospitals.

As for being a new grad and starting in the ER- I do not think it is necessary to work elsewhere first. We have plenty of nurses that are great and all they have ever done is ER. You just need to work somewhere that supports new grads and mentors them instead of throwing you in to sink or swim.

Goodluck in the job search.

Thanks for all your advice. I just got a call this morning with job offer, full-time in a progressive care unit I'm so happy! I will probably learn the ropes here first, then later on look into ER. Thanks again!