Anyone prior or current military medical?

[lauritasol]

I am currently a pre-nursing student and will start nursing school in the fall to complete a BSN. I am former Army and was a medic and EMT for 4 years not only in the field, but in med/surg, ob/gyn and the ER. Since the most of my time was spent in the ER or being a field medic I have a lot of experience and in the military techs or medics are allowed to do many things that only nurses do in the civilian world because there is no malpractice. I just recently got a job on the critical care unit, and I have found that I cannot do a lot of things, and this is quite frustrating for me. They want me to take a ton of inhouse classes to learn things I already know how to do. Also, the nurse manager says that once I have completed 2 semesters of nursing that I can then draw blood and other duties because I will have the nursing training! I have been drawing blood, starting IVs, IV meds and pushes, EKGs, casting, splinting, foley caths, ng tubes, etc., etc. There was a nursing shortage in the Army, and we were always allowed and encouraged to learn and do many things. I just feel kind of lost because I have gone from doing all that to only being qualified to do basic tasks kind of like a nursing assistant.

Does anyone have any advice for me or have been in a similar situation? I love healthcare and I love working in the hospital with patients! I am not considering quiting, but would rather like to know if I can sit for any tests without taking classes. I cannot even take the inhospital classes because their times conflict with my university school schedule. I am testing out of 19 hours of nursing school because of my medical experience, but want to know if I can do the same in the job I am in now. I know different rules govern different states and I am in OK, but I was wondering if anyone had a similar situation and what they did. I would just like to be able to do more and help more!

Thanks!

[montroyal]

It depends on what kind of a medic and EMT you were. Twenty years ago I was a 91B(basic medic), then completed national registry emt the 300F1(SF Medic). After getting out, I was told I could have all my paper work reviewed by the BON and may be able to sit for the LPN Board. I did alot more in the service then I can do now as a RN with 10 years experience. When I was in ,I was doing surgery and passing gas during surgey. There was no anesthesiologist or CRNA. I know your frustration, but its a different world in civilian life. Take time to re evaluate your priorities and make a decision on what you want to do in life. Then go for it. Don't let anyone sway you from "staying your course. Good luck

[sjoe]

"I just recently got a job on the critical care unit, and I have found that I cannot do a lot of things, and this is quite frustrating for me."

It doesn't really matter what anyone other than your hospital has to say about this, since they are the ones making the final decision. And since they are the ones taking on a certain amount of legal liability, they certainly have the right, and the obligation, to make sure you know THEIR way of doing things.

You might ask them if there is some way you can do some procedures, for example, while being evaluated by one of their qualified CCU people who would be willing to sign off on your skills. Or if you could "test out" of some facets of this training.

But YOU will have to come up with something they will buy into, if you want to be an exception to their reasonable rules. Otherwise, you'll just have to DO IT, like the rest of us. Some LVNs have reported the same kinds of concerns when going through school for their RNs, that they already know a lot of this stuff. True enough, but if you can't design a way to somehow satisfy the requirements other than those that have been prescribed, don't expect school or employers to simply take your word for your abilities and training, or certificates from other agencies that may well have different standards and ways of doing things.

Meanwhile, be glad you have this previous experience and training. It, and the ability to maintain a level head, will certainly serve you well.

You might also want to check out the "CCU" and the "Government Employed Nursing" forums on this BB to see what others in your position have done in the past or what suggestions they might have for you.

[lauritasol]

Thanks for your reply. Don't get me wrong. I do not want them to bend the rules for me just because I say I have experience. I just wanted to know if anyone out there had this similiar experience and if they knew a way to test out of the classes they want me to take.

I am new to posting so maybe I did not explain it right, but they want me to take several classes like an AUA class in order to do the tasks that I already know how to do. Well, I cannot take the AUA class because of the conflict with my university schedule and therefore I cannot get checked off on those tasks until July when I can then take the class in the summer. I was just wondering if there are any other options then taking the class. Could I test out of these classes and demonstrate my ability in order to be allowed more resonsibility? I just do not know what other options I have, and I have posted it on the board because where I work does not know either.

Thanks for the response!

[lauritasol]

Originally posted by montroyal

After getting out, I was told I could have all my paper work reviewed by the BON and may be able to sit for the LPN Board. I did alot more in the service then I can do now as a RN with 10 years experience. When I was in ,I was doing surgery

I was an 91B and opted to sit for the National Registry test at the end of my 91B training and I then became a certified EMT. You are saying exactly what I was trying to say as well! The doctors taught us how to suture in the ER and things were definitely different. Thanks for the advice on the BON. I will call them today and see what they say about my situation!

Thanks!