EMT-B as well as CNA?

nessajune21 · Oct 21, 2008

Do you realize that the paramedic program is often a 2 year associates program- which would take you just as long as an ASN?

I myself work as an EMT while currently in nursing school. A lot of people say it is helpful and a lot say that the CNA is more helpful. I feel that because I want to work in ER, my EMT is more valuable. I spend more time assessing patients and less time changing bed linens. This is not to say that the CNA isn't a good choice. Depending on where you hope to work, it may give you a better idea of what is expected of nurses in those areas because you are working so closely with them.

Both have perks and I wish you luck in what you choose to do!

Derek1975 · Oct 21, 2008

I do know the EMT-P Programs are 2-year associates. But it's more likely not to have a waiting list like RN programs do. I figure I could sign up for an RN program, and take the paramedic degree while I'm waiting. Or something.

Murse901, MSN, RN · Oct 22, 2008

Unless you have plenty of time to wait before entering the RN program, I would avoid the Paramedic route and focus on nursing. Not only does EMT-P take one to two years, you will also have to transition from the medic mindset to the nursing mindset once you get into RN school.

However, I would recommend getting your EMT-B and working prehospital just to see what it's like on the other side of the ER. You can get a lot of great assessment and emergent care experience just doing BLS runs.

I got my NREMT-B (TN EMT-IV) in December just for that purpose, and I pick up shifts on the ambulance occassionally just to break up the monotony.

vampiregirl, BSN, RN · Oct 22, 2008

What would be your ideal work environment or career goal? EMS and nursing have some similarities, but there are also a lot of differences.

If EMS interests you, I would suggest you see if your emergency response EMS service allows ride alongs.

As for your question about being an EMT and attending nursing school - at least for me it's very workable. I'm very fortunate to work part-time for a service that allows me to fill in where they need coverage. School for me is distance education, but I also work full time as a phlebotomist.

At least in my area, full time EMS is 2 -24 hour shifts weekly. I've had several friends who have worked EMS full time and gone to school for RN (traditional classroom). They are both very organized, motivated individuals, which I think played a large factor in their success.

Derek1975 · Oct 22, 2008

I was playing around with the idea of becoming an EMT first. Then I stumbled on a CNA school that offered a 4-week program, and got a job doing home health. I guess I had expectations of having a little more on the patient care side beyond making beds and changing dirty briefs. I like (even love) being a CNA. But I've always had it in the back of my mind that I wanted to try to get my EMT-B rating, and if I liked it I would probably become a paramedic. There aren't a lot of opportunities for paramedics if you aren't also a firefighter, but if it comes to that I could always get my RN.

I would probably be an EMT by now if it weren't for the first time when I decided to attend CNA school instead, and the second time I enrolled I didn't have the money, neither will be in the way come summer. I also think EMT-B or EMT-P would be more along the lines of something I'd want to do as a Nurse and would be good experience if I ever did decide to go that route. And most ambulance companies around here will pay for school if it's medical related.

GOMER42 · Oct 22, 2008

There aren't a lot of opportunities for paramedics if you aren't also a firefighter

Most ERs hire medics to work in the ER, not just on the ambulance. There are so many opportunities for medics outside of being a firefighter.

Follow what you really want to do.

EMT-2-RN · Oct 22, 2008

I think if being a RN is your main goal then I would stick to that plan. Work hard at making good grades in your pre-req. classes so you are a competitive applicant for the nursing programs you want to get in. I was an EMT-B before I started nursing school but enjoy both sides of patient care and decided to finish my Paramedic as well. It has been no easy task fitting all the hours of extra class and clinical in on weekends for my medic and I dont know that I would recommend doing both at the same time but I finish in december and will have both RN and EMT-P behind my name. I plan on working 3 shifts as an RN and picking 1 shift up a week as a medic just because I have fun and love working EMS. EMT-B class is not very difficult but I think it is a great part time job while in school. EMT-B or CNA is good experience prior to/during school because you get comfortable with the patient care and feel much more comfortable in clinicals (from my experience). If you have no other option but to wait 2 yrs before you can get into nursing school then I would not see why not get your EMT-P. There are many Paramedic to RN bridge programs that are shorter plus you will have more options and the extra experience. Just my 2 cents.

~Soon to be EMT-P, RN