Florida RN to Paramedic?

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Specializes in ED, trauma.

I will be graduating this year as a BSN prepared nurse. I have BLS and ACLS. I want to (hopefully) enter a nurse residency for ED nursing.

I am hoping to challenge the paramedic exam, but am unsure of how to go about this.

I live in Orange County, FL. I have checked the DOH website and my understanding is that I will need to pursue an EMT-B and then challenge the exam. I have also heard that the last year for an RN to challenge the exam is 2013. Is there any truth to this?

My long term goals are PHRN, flight nurse, trauma nurse. I would like to work towards the paramedic education as well so that I can aid myself in furthering my career.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

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Specializes in Critical Care Medicine.

There is no such thing as a PHRN certification in FL from my knowledge. I don't directly do military nursing, but I am a Florida National Guard Soldier (but also a Civilian Nurse) and interact with them often. I'd look into Military Reserve or Active Military Nursing. The Air Force do utilize Flight Nurses -- They offer great training and benefits not to mention educational reimbursement. GL w/ ur decision!

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Specializes in ED, trauma.

Thanks for your reply kChoRN!

I don't plan on being in Florida forever and am hoping to get all my certifications and licensure a in order. Would love to do PHRN in another state, but again, that's a long term goal.

Honestly I am hoping to be able to use paramedic as supplemental income to my RN income while I am still able to. I would like to build up savings again, since nursing school has pretty much diminished that!

My priority is learning more about challenging the paramedic exam in the state of Florida. There doesn't seem to be much information available online about this avenue of educational pursuit. Just trying to avoid 2 yrs of additional schooling if possible.

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Specializes in ED, trauma.

Is this really that uncommon in Florida?? Was hoping someone could give some insight.

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I have been told by a pretty reliable source that you can challenge the paramedic exam in Florida as a nurse. The steps to do so I do not know but I do plan on getting that information myself. I will share as soon as I get the details.

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Specializes in ED, trauma.
I have been told by a pretty reliable source that you can challenge the paramedic exam in Florida as a nurse. The steps to do so I do not know but I do plan on getting that information myself. I will share as soon as I get the details.

Thanks. I keep hearing its possible but no info in DOH and I keep hearing I should talk to the county medical director. I don't know how to find the county medical director's contact information. Very challenging. Please keep me posted!

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