Firefighting into Nursing

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Specializes in Phlebotomy.

Has anyone ever been gone into nursing by firefighting. . Im considering trying firefighting and switching to Nursing later on in my life is this unheard of? Im currently a CNA and im facing all kinds of drama .. currently a agency refused to staff me.. its almost like discrimination of some sort .. Im not sure whats actually occurring but im considering moving to a new state this Summer and starting over.. Is there anyone here whose been a entry level firefighter and gone to nursing ? Im 100 percent qualified CNA a certified Phlebotomist have experience Started nursing school but had to come out due to conflicting issues following that started making medical uniforms .. its almost as if im blocked or something 

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Specializes in ICU/Trauma.

Hi! I have never been a firefighter, however, I work with a new nurse that is still a fire fighter! He is a wonderful, hard worker and he likes to do both. I think you should do it! Nursing can be a bit of a headache and a challenge but I am sure you can do it!! Welcome to the club and good luck!

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Specializes in CEN, Firefighter/Paramedic.

There is a small group of us out there.  I started nursing school when I had about 20 years on and currently working as both an ED nurse (part time) and firefighter (full time).  In about 3 years I'll be able to retire from the FD if I want and go full time nursing. 

I will say this, and I'm inferring some information from your post and may be mistaken - Getting a full time fire job isn't as hard as it was when I came up, but it's also not a matter of making a phone call and picking up some uniforms.  Fire training is 3-6 months depending on where you go and paramedic (required now at a lot of places) can take up to 2 years once all is said and done.  It is also a "lifestyle" career that changes you as a person and also has an interesting schedule which disrupts everything in its path.

 

The onboarding process is a large time investment and probably not worth it if you're purely looking at it as a stepping stone to nursing.  If your ultimate goal is nursing, firefighting will greatly slow down this plan and I'd recommend just going straight for nursing out of the gate.


This is such a broad topic overall, it would be easier if you ask specific questions that you have and I'll try to answer them.

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Specializes in Phlebotomy.

Thank you so much for your input .. Im was eye balling firefighting because you have to be extremely agile.. but I think your information sounds about right because I know they require 24 hour shifts. one would have to require a backseat to the other. Very demanding careers. But im still interested nonetheless. 

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