Has anyone done this? Became a Paramedic first and then an RN? Is it a good idea ?

Speculating · May 14, 2006

Spend some real-time figuring this one out for you. Where I hail from it would be a serious waste of time almost two years worth. RN's can CLEP out of EMT-P, but EMT-P's can't CLEP RN School. And, even RN's can't CLEP basic EMT

chare · May 14, 2006

No education is a waste of time. However, I would agree that becoming a paramedic without practicing as one would probably not be of much use to you as an RN in any setting. Practicing as a paramedic would allow you to develop critical thinking and assessment skills that will be invaluable in any practice setting; however these skills are not easily or quickly attained. Also, the ability for an RN to challenge either the EMT or EMT-P exam varies from state to state, with some requiring considerable nursing experience, as well as having completed additional certifications such as ACLS, PALS, NRP, and PHTLS/BTLS/TNCC.

As to functioning in a dual RN/EMT-P role, there are very few positions that will allow this. Transport nursing (either flight or ground) is the only position that I can think of that allows this, and this will vary from state to state. Some states require critical care transport nurses to become EMT or EMT-P certified, while others do not require any EMS certification at. In North Carolina, the BON will allow RNs in these positions who have received additional training to perform skills such as endotracheal intubation, intraosseous access, etc. that are typically considered pre-hospital skills. There are also states that will allow an RN with additional training to function in the pre-hospital environment with a local emergency medical service. Again, these requirements will vary from state to state.

Trauma Columnist · May 14, 2006

I too love pre-hospital care and volunteer on my local squad. I have what is called in IL a pre-hospital RN license in addition to my regular RN. I get paid a lot more than the EMT-P's in my area and have a much wider scope of practice in the ER. My own personal opinion is to continue with your RN, get an ER job and then look to expanding your horizons. A lot depends on where you live too.

shehadi · May 14, 2006

thanks every one for your advice. The thing is, is that I can't start nursing school until the fall of 07'. But i could obtain the P-EMT before then. Also, I thought that being a P-EMT while doing nursing school would be a fun experience because it is not your ordinary job. Then I thought that i could become an RN and then be an EMT-P on the side part time for maybe a shift a week.

I've been told that the way of thinking of a P-EMT is much different than a nurse. I was just wondering if the transition from the EMT-P way of thinking to an RN's way would be a hard transition. I am just looking for experience that would make me a better ER nurse in the long run, because of the prehospital setting.

Could someone that was a paramedic first make a better ER nurse because of experience than one who wasn't a paramedic?

firstyearstudent · May 14, 2006

Why wouldn't you want the EMT cert. if you're almost there and waiting for RN program admission anyway? We have two or three EMTs in our RN class. I say go for it!

EricJRN, MSN, RN · May 15, 2006

Could someone that was a paramedic first make a better ER nurse because of experience than one who wasn't a paramedic?

Could - just depends on the attitude of the individual. Recently, I had a nurse manager tell me, 'Medics generally just do not make good nurses.' She wasn't trying to hurt my feelings. While I strongly disagree with her, I think that opinion comes from seeing closed-minded medics who think that their training is already equivalent/superior to that of nurses.

If you can remain open to learning and accept the fact that we're talking about two very different careers (which it sounds like you can), then your EMS experience will undoubtedly help you.

Good luck!

EricJRN, MSN, RN · May 15, 2006

Why wouldn't you want the EMT cert. if you're almost there and waiting for RN program admission anyway? We have two or three EMTs in our RN class. I say go for it!

Sounds like the OP is definitely going to get the EMT certification. The question is about continuing on for paramedic certification, which is a much longer process. (EMT generally is one semester, while it can take up to two years to become a paramedic.)

firstyearstudent · May 15, 2006

Oh, I get it now. Never mind.

shehadi · May 15, 2006

Actually, i take the national reg. for my Basic on a week from tommorrow. The paramedic program at my school takes 3 semesters, the fall, spring and a summer semester. Then you can sit for the paramedic reg. So it won't hurt me in the long run if i get my paramedic first, cause i will finish that before i start nursing school.

Just wondering · May 15, 2006

To the OP, why not become an LPN first then reinforce with education when you start RN in '07. If your goal is to become an RN why not start with a lower title.

Just wondering

EricJRN, MSN, RN · May 15, 2006

Good luck on your NR! :)