RN to paramedic: Worthwhile?

[chuckster, ADN, BSN, RN, EMT-B]

Not sure if this is the right forum for this question, but here goes.

My story is similar to that of many (probably most) new nursing grads and I have not had any luck in even getting an interview, much less getting hired. This is at least partly due to do the new emphasis by hospitals in my area on hiring only BSN-RNs rather than ADNs like me. I am in the process of remedying that however and will start an RN-BSN program in Fall 2011.

In the meantime, I plan to get my ACLS and PALS certifications as well as PHTLS with an eye toward making my resume more attractive as an ED candidate. I'm also thinking of taking the Paramedic Course for Healthcare Professionals (I am presently an EMT-B). This is a fairly expensive proposition however and I need to present a worthwhile business case to the SO in order to be able to take the course.

Assuming that my ultimate goal is to become an ED RN, will becoming a paramedic improve my chances in that regard? I should also note that I continue to run on the ambulance with my local fireco as a volunteer EMT/firefighter as I have for the past 15 years or so and am not a newcomer to pre-hospital care.

[netglow, ASN, RN]

Sounds like a good plan on paper. But I have a friend who was a paramedic for 10+ years. He worked ED while in school and when he graduated and became licensed RN, nobody was interested in him . He did more that "teching" in that ER too, didn't get paid for the extra that hospital got from him either. He had to move in order to take a job, and was lucky to even get what he got. It was his only offer. Yes is was an ED job though.

[TraumaSurfer]

A potential hospital employer could also view you getting the Paramedic cert as one who might be torn between two jobs and might run off for a paid EMS/FF position at the first opportunity. But, your previous experience may be of some help in the ED.

If you want to be an RN, concentrate on the BSN. You might even be able to take a couple of online courses toward the BSN in the mean time while you are waiting.

Taking short certs, weekend courses and seminars could also be helpful. Include some that involve critical care also as well as mental health, L&D, OB, Peds and neonatal or even an Asthma Educator course. Many of our ED and Peds RNs are now certified Asthma Educators along with all of their other training and education. Show a genuine interest in all aspects of nursing and also a willingness to be flexible. The ED is so much more than just ACLS and emergencies. There are many nursing continuing ed courses that may be offered through the colleges and hospitals even if you have to drive a little for a day course. These would also be a great way to network and get your name and face out there in the job market.

[danh3190]

I was a paramedic for more than 20 years when I graduated nursing school. Although my resume got me a number of ED interviews none of the EDs would hire me, not even the one where I've been going on the ambulance and where I did many hours of clinical over those 20 years.

This may be because I'm not good at interviews (I'm not!) or it may be because I'm old (I am!). One question I got from the UD of one of the EDs was interesting though. She asked whether, having worked as a medic for all those years, I'd be able to work in a team. Not sure if she was asking whether I'd be able to give up the autonomy that medics enjoy or whether she was wondering if I'd be able to work with the nurses.

[chuckster, ADN, BSN, RN, EMT-B]

Thanks for all of the suggestions.

While TraumaSurfer's suggestion to take some on-line BSN courses in the meantime would normally be a good one, it's unfortunately not an option for me since I already have taken the maximum number of classes that I can transfer in (I have a BA & MBA in addition to the ADN). I will continue to take short CE and cert classes until I start the RN to BSN program however, as well as trying to network - which I'm already trying to do when I bring patients to the ED. I've even gone so far as to put the "RN" suffix in addition to the standard "EMT-B" on my jumpsuit name tag - this occasionally leads to queries from the nursing staff at my local hospitals, though nothing substantive yet.

And to danh3190: You're not the only one around who's old. I try to make up for my advanced chronological age by continuing to refuse to grow up though.

[TraumaSurfer]

Thanks for all of the suggestions.

(I have a BA & MBA in addition to the ADN).

You're not the only one around who's old. I try to make up for my advanced chronological age by continuing to refuse to grow up though.

Use your education, experience and age to your advantage. Write a few articles and distribute them to various magazines and newspapers about you decision to enter the nursing profession. Market yourself outside of usual realm until you find the job you desire after you finish your BSN. Even sell yourself to your state EMS board as a liaison for EMS and nursing or education committee. With that background, there are alot of possibilities although some of it might depend on the state but work your education to your advantage for now even if it is not in the ED.

[LaxNP, DNP]

I always liked what EMT-P's did in the field and actaully applied to the local community college and was supposed to have started this fall. I decided to go to grad school instead as I was also accepted to a program for NP (wife thought it was a better investment). I do have a friend that is a flight RN and a paramedic. He is allowed to work full-time as an RN, but can do OT filling in for the flight EMT-P's.

[CrazyCatLadyRN, BSN, RN]

Depending on what state you live in, you may be able to challenge the Paramedic boards since you have your RN, EMT-B, and will have ACLS. This is the case in the state where I live (FL). This might be a more inexpensive route to go and get the same cert. I finished my EMT-B last summer and will graduate with my BSN in April and plan on doing this same thing. Not sure how much all of this will help a new grad, but I love it, so we'll see. As far as passing the paramedic exam, I've heard of a couple refresher courses in my hometown that sounded like a good opportunity to brush up on some EMS skills and cover some things that were missed in the BSN and EMT programs. I