First Response experience...

[CV]

Just wanted to get someone's input on this--I'm a first year nursing student in an ADN program looking for some ER/EMS exposure and/or experience but am getting turned away from local EMS services (due to legal issues) and hospital transport teams...my college program does not support/offer any learning experiences like these, either. I have heard that some colleges encourage/enable students to get this type of exposure, but I can't seem to find one that does...

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks--CV

[iamme445]

CV,

I would like to help you. In Pennsylvania the volunteer services will let you go on the ambulance one or two times as an 'observer' but then you must make a commitment to become a vounteer of their service. You will be supported during this but you must attend EMT classes and you are already in enough classes with nursing school. A summer EMT class might help if you are willing to not make nursing commitments during this time as it is very intense (not difficult, just time consuming) I am a paramedic, and flight nurse and would be happy to share experience with you. e-mail at [email protected]

Deanna

[MQ Edna]

CV, I hear some enthusiasum in your career choices. My advice is to become a volunteer for a rural FD and attend an EMT course when you have time. I myself am a flight nurse, I was a nurse then became a paramedic and it gave me a new view on nursing. I highly recommend you becoming an EMT on an ambulance and learn to understand and respect the prehospital folks it will make you a better nurse, but more important it will make you a better person. Good Luck Vasti

[MQ Edna]

CV, I hear some enthusiasum in your career choices. My advice is to become a volunteer for a rural FD and attend an EMT course when you have time. I myself am a flight nurse, I was a nurse then became a paramedic and it gave me a new view on nursing. I highly recommend you becoming an EMT on an ambulance and learn to understand and respect the prehospital folks it will make you a better nurse, but more important it will make you a better person. Good Luck Vasti

[Sharon]

I did not have Pre-hospital options until the Bachelors level. Once at the Bachelors level I had many opportunities (ED, Rescue, and Disaster). At my university there was one formal nursing elective that you left with an EMT certification as well. The rest of my experiences were independent study in lieu of formatted clinicals.

Many states do have course hour waivers for nurses seeking their EMT but . . . there are skill test that are not taught in Nursing School. Unless you are in a course that has EMT certification as its objective you will not see many of the equipment in a hospital.