Can RN's work on ambulances?

caliotter3 · Sep 22, 2007

I met an RN who was part of an ambulance crew one time when we transferred a patient out to a hospital. I know they are on air ambulance crews but do not think that it is common to find them on regular ambulance crews unless they are accompanying someone on a long trip or for special cases. A paramedic with experience could probably answer this question for you. We do have some nurses who are also EMTs who post on this site. Maybe some of them could discuss this aspect of nursing with you. Good luck in whatever healthcare field you decide to enter.

EricJRN, MSN, RN · Sep 22, 2007

Prehospital RN's do exist, but each state handles it a little differently. In at least one state, there is an actual PHRN certification. Here in Texas, we don't really have a designation that recognizes the prehospital credentials of an RN, but there are abbreviated RN-to-Paramedic programs that an RN (usually an experienced one) can undertake at the discretion of an EMS course coordinator.

I know of one service here that utilizes the combination of an RN/EMT (may be an RN/EMT or RN/Paramedic) and a paramedic to run high-acuity ground ambulance interfacility transfers. The nurses in that service also answer 911 calls when not involved in a transfer. Generally though, it is a rare situation to see a Texas nurse on an ambulance.

The physical endurance aspect of the jobs is something to consider, but keep in mind that you'll need healthy knees and back to work in any position that involves repetitive lifting - including EMS and most specialties within nursing.

EricJRN, MSN, RN · Sep 22, 2007

I moved the thread to the Nursing Career Advice Forum for more responses. Good luck!

2bmedstudent23 · Sep 23, 2007

oooooh thats why i couldnt find it! haha

CT Pixie, BSN, RN · Sep 24, 2007

Here in CT, an RN and/or LPN can ride the ambulance but not WORK under the scope of practice as an RN or LPN. He/she is either an EMT (B, I) or a Paramedic and has to be educated and certified/licensed as such.

When I was taking my EMT course, I had an RN who was also an EMT-I who was helping with some of the teaching of the course but she could not perform skills that an RN is licensed to on the ambulance. She could only work under the scope of practice of the EMT-I. I was an EMT-B and when we rode together, she and I were on equal ground as far as skills we could do/not do with the exception that she was certified as an EMT-I which is an EMT that can start IV's. Other than that there was no difference between she and I.

Best thing to do is contact your local office of emergency services and see what the status is for an RN on an ambulance.

Honestly, I was in the same quandry as you. I wanted to be a Medic and an RN I wanted the Medic aspect for the fast pased, emergency aspect and the nursing for the caring side. The one thing that stopped me from Medic school was my age and thinking do I really want to be doing this for the rest of my life? I cannot imagine being a paramedic in my older years. At least w/nursing you have so many options when you advance in age that don't put a toll physically on your body.

Why not consider being a Flight Nurse. You can then have the "rush" of the Paramedic side with the fast paced and trauma/emergent action and be a RN at the same time.

Honestly, around here, Paramedics jobs aren't as readily available as nurses jobs. And should you ever want to relocate, your Paramedic license in your State might not be what the new State wants (although I do believe that most States use a National Testing somewhat similar to the NCLEX but not all)

You could even go Paramedic and then do a Paramedic to RN course. There are quite a few options you can take.

Best of luck with your choice. Its a hard one

2bmedstudent23 · Sep 24, 2007

yeah tell me about it!! right now im taking th phlembotomy course because everyone ive talked to in the med field has said "take the course!! it really pays off!!" so i am. but after doing that i have not a clue! i might do the EMT thing after phlembotomy school, since my CC has a waiting list for nursing school. Thank you for your input it really has helped!!

danh3190 · Sep 24, 2007

I know PA had a PHRN certification.

As a practical matter on a regular emergency ambulance there's not much difference between the paramedic and PHRN certification, since the meds and equipment on the ambulance are appropriate to a paramedic scope of practice. I'm not sure about on interfacility transports. I think the PHRN can transport with blood hanging etc, but not sure.

chip193 · Feb 23, 2008

hey everyone, ive been bouncing back and forth about this one... RN or Paramedic? I know being an RN I would have more job options, but I really like the emergency aspect of the medical field as well. I've HEARD that Paramedic's are pretty much RN's on an ambulance. Can an RN work on an ambulance? If they could that would be awesome and make my decision so much easier!! I would go for paramedic school but I was seriously thinking about my future, when I'm older I wont be able to jump out of the trucks as fast as I did when I was 20. Hopefully someone can give me advice on this! Thanks!!

Having done both jobs, let me give you a little of my insight.

RN and Paramedic are two completely different jobs. Some of the skills may overlap, but the whole thought process, autonomy level, and physical skills.

A good RN does not necessarily make a good Paramedic. A good Paramedic does not necessarily make a good RN.