EMT/Paramedic to Nursing Help

EricJRN, MSN, RN · Mar 14, 2010

Resaur,

I have a BA in Psychology, spent several years in volunteer EMS and maintain certification, and I'm now a nurse. Here are some thoughts - things I've learned along a very tortuous but rewarding path.

- Most people who graduate with psychology undergrad degrees don't end up doing anything closely related to psych without completing a graduate program. It's a good idea to have some skills outside of the psych degree to add to employment options if you don't see years of grad school in your future.

- EMT courses are generally one semester part-time and can be easily completed in a summer - or in addition to a full load of fall/spring psych classes. Even before you work a single day as an EMT, you'll get a little clinical experience to catch a glimpse of EMS and you'll get to see several other health-related careers up close.

- The statistics regarding burnout in EMS and nursing (and mental health, for that matter) are a little daunting, but there are many, many "lifers" in all three fields. It's good to have an awareness of the annoyances or disadvantages that you'll face in a given career, but no amount of data can tell you what you will or will not find fulfilling over the long haul.

My advice is to try and work an EMT class into your schedule and see what you think, since that's where your current focus seems to be. See where you are interest-wise and then let the other pieces fall into place accordingly.

stevenfmurray, BSN, EMT-P · Mar 14, 2010

I have been in EMS since 2002. EMT from 2002 to 2006, and paramedic since 2006. I am now in my second year of nursing school, working as a paramedic on the weekends to pay for everything. If you are considering a 911 system, yes, the burnout rate is incredibly high. I would say about 90% of the patients we see either do not need to go to the hospital at all, or could very safely go by other means. Also, there are a huge number of paramedics that have career-ending injuries, specifically back injuries.

EMS was appealing to me because I took 3 months of classes (2 4-hour nights/week) and started out making about $40K/year, with OT. It was great. However, I soon saw my (non-EMS) peers that started out making less than I did being promoted and quickly moving up the ladder. There is relatively little upward mobility in most EMS systems until you've been there for quite a long time. As a paramedic, I can make $80K/year with OT, but I have to absolutely kill myself to do it. Also, if your relief calls out sick 2 hours in advance of their 12-hour shift, you own it. I have been forced to work 36 or 48 hours straight without sleep more times than I care to remember. Those are a few of the negative aspects.

A few of the positive aspects: It's a great way to get into the medical field quickly. With 3 months of school for EMT-B and another year for the paramedic program, I am the sole provider of medical care outside of the hospital. I can give a very wide variety of drugs, intubate, perform surgical airway procedures, and do a plethora of other things on my own. The autonomy is great; not that I don't have to answer to anyone, but I rarely have anyone looking over my shoulder yelling at me to do something a different way. I've also made some of the best friends I have in this business that I will keep in touch with until the day I die. I also worked as a medic with the SWAT team and got to see some really cool things. It's an incredible feeling to know that you made the difference between life and death. Doesn't happen very often, but when it does, it's tremendous.

If I had a chance to do it all over again, I would take go the nursing route first, hands down. Why do something for 10 years if you KNOW you are going to change careers down the road.

I hope that my rambling has given you some insight. If you have any more questions, please ask!

Resaur · Mar 15, 2010

thank you for your swift replies! sorry, i have been busy. it's finals week(end) ><.>

it's not like i want to become a nurse and i am using paramedics as a stepping stone. it is more like i want to be a paramedic but know i have to change careers later on. but i am young now so i want to do this while i still have the physical stamina and enthusiasm to be a paramedic.

ericjrn, i think i will take your suggestion and take a few classes to see how i like it. hopefully i do! i am really hoping this is a job i will love!

stevenfmurray, thank you! which area do you live? 90% of the calls aren't real emergencies? that sounds crazy! aren't ambulances like $1,000, people are really willing to spend that money when it isnt even a real emergency? i know my mom makes me drive her to the er, rather than call an ambulance. so thats why i'm curious about where you live.

i guess my question has more to do with "what should i do after paramedics?" haha. anyways, i am looking at getting into physical therapy or something after paramedics. do you think i have a good chance in getting in a grad school with a few years of experience as an emt/paramedic (with the required courses and have taken the gre)?

stevenfmurray, BSN, EMT-P · Mar 15, 2010

I live in Charleston, SC. 90% is a pretty accurate number. Might be slightly lower, but that's pretty close. Yes, the ambulance bill is expensive, but if you have no intention of paying it, as many people don't, then it's a different story. Many people that abuse 911 (not trying to make a general statement here) have medicaid. Think about it - if you have a cold and need to see a doctor and are on medicaid and don't have a ride to the doctor (or ER), a cab ride costs money. OR you could call 911, have your ride get there in 5 minutes, get a free ride to the hospital, and a lot of times, get in a room right away as opposed to sitting in the waiting room. That's many people's mentality. Huge problem in ERs.

You should do some ridealongs with the 911 system where you live before you make a decision. Most services allow them. I have people ride with me frequently.

laurenjmc · Mar 25, 2010

Definitely get your EMT soon! It's pretty simple and you will get a good taste for what EMS is all about. And yeah, I am from San Diego and 90% non-emergencies sounds pretty accurate. I know Palomar College has an EMT program and there is a private EMT school out somewhere in the east country that does it in a month and half. I just got my EMT-B last semester thinking I might want to be a paramedic but have decided to forgo for nursing instead. I think the appeal of EMS is the excitement of a true emergency and being able to make a difference. The unfortunate thing I realized once I started working in an ER is that the majority of pts have a cold or need a band-aid. Not to sound pessimistic though-- you can do awesome things and save lives every now and then too :) I know a lot of paramedics that are "lifers" and absolutely love their jobs. Also, there are a lot of short, small women who can get the job done (I'm one!). Have you thought about being a paramedic/firefighter? They make a lot more $ and probably have a much lower turn-over rate (I hear it is impossible to get a job though, especially in socal bc it is such a popular career).

repjup · May 15, 2010

Hi! Wanted you to know about paramedic/firefighter burnout from my experience. If you are single with no children, I believe you can last much longer than 8 years working at a department if you stay physically fit and up to date on all your protocols. What makes it so hard is the extra responsibilities in your home life. I have a husband and four kids so it was very stressful. Also, don't let your size hold you back. I'm 5'2" and made it through fire academy at the age of 37 on the first try. Also, had no trouble getting hired at a city department but did have to proove myself to the guys. I was the only female. But, I would have expected the same from them. We have relocated and now I'm 45 and start nursing school in August. I've kept my medic patch and intend on using both. There are many areas you could work in hospitals with your EMTP. I wouldn't trade any of the experience I gained by working in the fire service. I think it helped me in a lot of areas and it gave me a glimpse of a lot of job opportunities that are out there. By the way, just funny, I have a BFA in dance so you never know what doors may open down the road. You don't have to have everything worked out by the time your 21. Every day is a stepping stone. Good luck and don't let anyone stop you from doing what you want. Even if it's something that "seems" impossible!

Pneumothorax, BSN, RN · May 17, 2010

Hi! Wanted you to know about paramedic/firefighter burnout from my experience. If you are single with no children, I believe you can last much longer than 8 years working at a department if you stay physically fit and up to date on all your protocols. What makes it so hard is the extra responsibilities in your home life. I have a husband and four kids so it was very stressful. Also, don't let your size hold you back. I'm 5'2" and made it through fire academy at the age of 37 on the first try. Also, had no trouble getting hired at a city department but did have to proove myself to the guys. I was the only female. But, I would have expected the same from them. We have relocated and now I'm 45 and start nursing school in August. I've kept my medic patch and intend on using both. There are many areas you could work in hospitals with your EMTP. I wouldn't trade any of the experience I gained by working in the fire service. I think it helped me in a lot of areas and it gave me a glimpse of a lot of job opportunities that are out there. By the way, just funny, I have a BFA in dance so you never know what doors may open down the road. You don't have to have everything worked out by the time your 21. Every day is a stepping stone. Good luck and don't let anyone stop you from doing what you want. Even if it's something that "seems" impossible!

thats awesome! congrats on starting nursing school!! :)