FF/P to RN?

[Eric_Medic]

Hey everyone!

So, I have posted at allnurses in the past but that was at a turning point in my life. Since then.... "I did a thing."

I was at a crossroads in 2014 as a Paramedic between pursuing a Nursing career and a Firefighter/Paramedic career. Well, my persistence with the CA fire service paid off and I am now a "career" Firefighter/Paramedic for 3 years at a large agency in NorCal.

I enjoy the work, mostly, but at times envy the emergency department nurses I see from time to time when taking patients in via pain train (ambulance). I find that the overall nature of my position is fun, challenging, rewarding, and demanding.

I would like to pursue a nursing career to supplement my current job. I have a regular significant amount of time off (48 hours on and 96 hours off) and feel like it should be possible to somehow make this work.

I have a BA in psychology (bailed on continuing in that for a few personal/ethical reasons) and had started some pre-reqs prior to being hired.

I have looked into online schools... which don't look too promising or possible. I have thought about trying the LVN route to then do a LVN to RN of some sort bridge but haven't found a good program. I have even thought of trying to look into schools in the Reno Nevada area... or doing online school and using the Reno school for clinical sites. I haven't fully looked into that. I know you need concurrent clinical and didactic.

My goal would be to get a CA BSN license eventually.

Any advice? I basically need a flexible schedule. I am able to manipulate my schedule a little but it can get tricky. Is this even possible?

I want to note that although I am a paramedic... and a firefighter... I KNOW that i DO NOT know it all. I feel like there is a unspoken prejudice against my kind... and I want to assure you that I am aware I have a lot to learn and am always up for the opportunity to absorb, learn, and improve. It helps make the world go round.

Thanks!