ER RN to EMT?

[ERRN629]

Hi there! Anyone have any idea if you can challenge the classroom portion of the EMT class in Massachusetts? I'm more than willing and eager to do the field work, but I can't stand the idea of sitting in class for 3 months talking about normal heart rates! :) Any info would be appreciated. Thanks!

[TVCRNEMT]

I am an RN EMT, I was an nurse first. In most states you need to attend classes and pass a state exam to become an EMT, the pre hospital skills that one learns are very much different then the in hospital care, and your team is depending on you having been taught and know these skills. The plus side to all of this is that again in most states being an RN and a EMT qualifies you to sit for the peramedic state exam with out attending formal classes. But I think you only have one chance to pass and if you fail you will have to attend classes before you can sit for the exam again.

[pamc217]

As an RN you can challenge the paramedic exam, much better. You dont want to be an EMT its mostly non emergency transport, of dialysis pts and old people from hospitals to nursing homes. Plus they make less than 14 dollars an hour. Thats why I went to nursing school, Im doubling my hourly pay rate to start. Im a new RN, I took ACLS on my own and maybe working in a local ER... If you want to see trauma do the paramedic thing, once you get that you could actually look into being a med-flight nurse.

good luck

[Medic/Nurse, BSN, RN]

Challenge or go to class?

There are as many answers to the debate of how do I_____? Without having to do______?

Well, it varies. :argue:

EMT's (Basic and Paramedic) are regulated by the individual state in which you practice. Some states use the National Registry as their certification/exam model, some states use their own certification/exam models.

There are some states that may have a process for "challenge" - in allowing a person to do the test, not the time.

I think it just depends on what/why you need the "certification"?

I think there is a misconception in some circles that RN is at the top of the food chain - that having the RN should make it possible to "gobble" up other certifications by testing out.

Nursing practice and pre-hospital practice may share some skills, but they are very different in practice realities. You do not know what you do not know. :)

I will agree that Basic Level EMT class will have sections that will be somewhat "boring" for an RN. But, for an RN that has NEVER set foot outside of a hospital - the EMT class will enhance your ability to function as a top notch provider in the field. You do learn other things beside normal pulse rates. A few that come to mind.

Scene assessment and safety

Patient "packaging" and transport

Radio communications, dispatch procedures

And overall functioning in an uncontrolled environment.

An RN that challenges out the EMT test may not know how to use an EMS radio to call for help if necessary, or know how to safely gain access to a patient in a MVC.

Don't flame me, EMT class is just a bit more that pulse rates. A good basic EMT course lays a great foundation for functioning in the world outside the walls of the hospital.

Good luck, whatever you choose. I'm not making the case for doing it the hard way --- its just if you are gonna wanna talk the talk, be sure you can walk the walk.

[chmiller1229]

I currently am an NREMT basic. I am trying to take steps to get my RN BSN.

After my RN-BSN, I'll be going to the Paramedic class. And working my way to: RN-BSN CCEMTP and maybe on my way to flight nurse.

the only thing I'm not sure is this: Which licence would I operate under if DMAT calls me out?

[Angela6833]

I can tell you this, I was a Paramedic before I got my BSN. I am now a flight nurse and teachat a community college where many get thier EMT training. I read the replies and seems that Boring comes up allot. Ican say this. My students who are RNs who go through the EMT part are usually amazed at how much they do not know. There are many thigns that EMTs do inthe field nurses do not. I think you will find the classes exciting and challanging.

[EricJRN, MSN, RN]

the only thing I'm not sure is this: Which licence would I operate under if DMAT calls me out?

You would have to check with the DMAT at that time (especially since it sounds like it might be a while before all of your licensure/certification is finished). Several friends of mine with EMS backgrounds participate on DMAT teams and they all work under DMAT protocols, functioning in EMS provider roles.