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Discussion

Does being an EMT help when going to nursing school?

I'm a Senior in HS, and know for sure that I want to become a nurse, and eventually become a NP. Recently, I was thinking of working (not just obtaining certification) of an EMT while in nursing school. It seems like working as a CNA would make more sense, but I think that as an EMT I would probably enjoy my job day-to-day more; the healthcare professionals I know make it sound like CNAs do all the dirty work like wiping the patient's ass all day, and, it would bring in a few bucks. However, I'm not sure if being an EMT would help at all? Is that something that would look nice on a resume? I do NOT have ANY desire once so ever to become an ER nurse, or do anything ER for that matter. I actually want to become a CNM. So would becoming an EMT be a waste of time? Is there anyone here who has worked as one, and the skills they learned helped their nursing career?

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    Many nursing programs require CNA certification to apply, so I would check into that. Being an EMT is nothing like being a nurse and is a totally different way of thinking.

    CNA's have very important work and you will be required to do ALL of the tasks of a CNA at some point in your nursing career. I would suggest shadowing a nurse so you can get more of an idea of what the job entails. Nurses "wipe asses" and many other not-so-thrilling things.

    As an EMT, you would also deal with vomit, diarrhea, blood, etc...It's tons of fun when it happens in the back of an ambulance.

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    You may find it difficult to work as an EMT while in nursing school. Nursing school (through the RN portion at least) is normally a M-F kinda thing. EMTs usually work rotation shifts and/or 24 hour shifts.

    Most nursing schools you can't just take some classes here and there; it's usually a full time thing.

    You may be able to find something else, good luck though.

    Like others said, CNA is probably more valuable. If you're a paramedic for a while you'd have great experience and all that, but if your goal is really to go to nursing school and be a nurse, I'd recommend the LVN route.

    It'll also give you credibility when you do become an RN, because if you have CNAs working for you, or techs, or whatever, you've been where they are and understand their perspective.

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    Also: CNA school is shorter, and the schedule would be more flexible. Some nursing homes even will pay you during CNA training.

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