Best job for Paramedic soon to be RN ?

[streptococcus]

Hello

I am currently a Fire Officer / Paramedic with my fire department near Memphis, Tennessee. I will have my RN completed within the next 6 months and have been wondering where a good place to work part time as an RN would be. I want an environment that requires continued learning.

[GilaRRT]

Wide open friend.

[meg2465]

I had the same question myself when I got my license after three years as a paramedic.

My first job was in a medical-surgical ICU in a midsize community hospital where I had worked as a paramedic. I thought that a small assignment of high acuity patients would be a good application of the skills and knowledge I had developed in the field. I also thought that an ICU of manageable scope and size would be a more supportive environment for a new grad than a specialty unit in a larger teaching hospital.

Unfortunately, I was miserable. I was in good company - every other nurse there seemed miserable too, and darned if they didn't do their best to see that I fit in. I quit ten weeks into orientation, and had a job within a week at a smallish but busy ER in an inner city, where I had also worked as a paramedic. I had a fantastic preceptor who understood my background, and adapted to my strengths and weaknesses, which were different from those of the usual new grad.

There's no one good environment for a new grad with a prehospital background. Like anyone else, you'll perform your best if you have a good balance of safety and challenge. Take a job that appeals to you, and don't be afraid to walk away if it turns out to be a dud.

My only other observation is that you said you were looking for part time work. I understand you're not going to want to leave the fire department, but if you go to any kind of an acute care setting, they are likely to want you full time, just to get you oriented and settled in. There are things from your prehospital experience that will help you as a new grad, but trust me - the hospital is a completely different world, and it takes a lot of getting used to before you're safe to practice on your own.

Congrats and best of luck!

[traumahawk99]

i'd say work med surge/tele for a while no matter what decision you ultimately make. it's good for ya :).