firefighter and nurse

[dfullen1]

I am currently a nursing (LPN) student. I've always wanted to be a firefighter and even took fire science courses last semester, untill I found out i was accepted into nursing school. Ive heard that you can join the fire department while still working as a nurse. I have been working out fo r the CPAT, I'll have my certificate in nursing in 18 months. Im wondering if I should apply to a deptarment when they have an opening, after i get my certificate, since my LP to RN degree will be online, other than my clinicals. (since they only hire about once a year). Im not sure if the 24 hours on and 48 off will be to hard to finish my online nursing degree. I just wanted to see if anyone knows anything about this or can direct me to where I can find out some more information. thank you.

p.s. also I like to know about flight nursing; how you get into that specialty, what are the requirments, what kind of schedule do you have, ect.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

Some nurses have second gigs as paramedics, firefighters, etc. Since nursing permits a person to have a flexible schedule, you can certainly join the fire department if your work hours permit this to happen. In addition, online/distance nursing programs can be completed on your own time and at your own pace.