ER New Grad RN - Previously Paramedic

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In my experience during nursing school, many of the nurses didn't know what a Paramedic was compared to an EMT. Many times they believed that the EMT was higher than a Paramedic. They obviously didn't know what the scope of practice these licenses had. I thought going into nursing school that I might be able to use my experience and training as an EMT and Paramedic toward getting a job in the ER, but now I'm not so sure.

Does anyone know how nurse managers or hiring managers will look at Paramedic/EMT licenses in relation to an ER RN position. Will they consider it experience or disregard it because it isn't Registered Nurse experience?

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It's experience. You still need to learn/refine your nursing skills, but you have healthcare experience. Doesn't mean they will hire you over someone with no experience, but it's a card on your side of the table. It will make a difference too. I am almost done with a six no Ed residency and was a Basic for 5 years. It helps for sure.

BSN GCU 2014. ED Residency ;)

Sent from my iPhone using allnurses

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Specializes in Critical Care, Emergency, Education, Informatics.

The key is to not come across as a if you know it all already because of your time as a medic. You need to make sure they know that you had a change in mindset in school, (or even better before school and reinforced in school). They are going to want you for your skills but they don't want anyone who is going to cause to much drama. They also don't want a glorified technician.

You might be suprised though. As I look down my current nurses station 5 of the 6 RN's were all medics before nursing.

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Specializes in Emergency & Trauma/Adult ICU.

ER nurses and managers are well-versed in prehospital provider roles, and yes, your previous experience will be an asset.

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

While you were in nursing school, were any of your rotations in the ED?

If not then it would make sense why the nurses you came in contact with didn't know the difference of EMT or paramedic as they weren't in emergency nursing where they would see medics.

Absolutely the ED nurse manager knows EMTs and paramedics. It is emergency hands on pt care.

Now once you get an interview you need to show the manager that you have a nurse mindset and not the medic, but that you still have a passion for emergency nursing.

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Specializes in Critical Care Transport.

Anybody who works in the ED and has for more than a day knows about Paramedics, EMT's and the differences in scope. Is prehospital experience helpful? I am probably bias, but I think it most definitely is!

Some managers are more partial to the nursing education/experience versus a candidate having prehospital experience. In the ED I work in almost all of our nurses were involved with prehospital care at one point in their careers. Some still work with our local fire department as well to maintain the paramedic license and scope of practice.

I agree with the above poster in stating that you should highlight that there are gaps in your knowledge and experience coming from the prehospital setting. Look at the bright side...you should already have ACLS, PALS, PHTLS (similar basics to TNCC), and maybe NRP certificatons? Those are good to have as well especially with significant experience.

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Specializes in Pediatric Cardiac ICU.

I went to a new grad open house about a month ago and the Emergency Department had a table. They told me straight up that they don't normally hire new grads unless they have a burning passion for the ED or they have previous EMT or paramedic experience. I think your experience could help you stand out!

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Persec. Change your avatar picture and user name. You neverr know who is who here.

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As Fiona just said, those of you who use your photos as avatars will find that this isn't LinkedIn, meaning that conversations you have here you might consider 'off work' but in reality, the people reading this are your future bosses, CURRENT bosses, coworkers, classmates.

It is unwise to put your personal photo on the site, you might want to choose something else very soon!

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I can do that, how would I go about changing my username then?

EDIT: Clearly, I figured this out. Thanks for the warning.

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Specializes in Education.

Hey, it helped me. :)

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Specializes in SNF, LTAC.

To this day I "love" getting the comment, "oh you are a paramedic? How is it driving the ambulance"

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