Is the job market better for paramedics then for nurses?

L2daAO · Jul 7, 2009

There is a shortage of both, but I'm sure it depends on the area. It depends on what you want to do with your life. RN's generally make more. Good luck on deciding.

Please see the data presented.

http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos102.htm#outlook LPN/LVN expected growth, 14%, to 2016.

http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos083.htm#outlook RN expected growth, 23%, to 2016.

http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos101.htm#outlook EMT's and Paramedics expected growth, 19%, to 2016.

simboka · Jul 7, 2009

Do you have any ideas about what field you'd like to go into after getting your RN? IMHO: Emergency or ICUs might be more suited for a paramedic, but most of the other fields, the LPN experience might be better for you.

DanainOrlando · Jul 7, 2009

With an RN, I'd want to be an ER nurse. I thrive on that adrenaline, on rushing in an being able to help when there's an emergency.

The BLS links are great, thanks! They are good for future projections - I'm not sure if they reflect what is happening right now with the disasterous job market.

L2daAO · Jul 7, 2009

With an RN, I'd want to be an ER nurse. I thrive on that adrenaline, on rushing in an being able to help when there's an emergency.
The BLS links are great, thanks! They are good for future projections - I'm not sure if they reflect what is happening right now with the disasterous job market.

I think the data is still accurate to a certain point. The healthcare industry will continue to increase, especially with the baby boomer generation retiring.

Crash_Cart · Jul 7, 2009

The job market for paramedics may be better, but that doesn't equate to mean the job is any better. :twocents:

GilaRRT · Jul 7, 2009

The market is rather poor for paramedics. Low pay, long hours, and poor environmental conditions are all negative aspects to consider.

E.R. Rookie · Jul 7, 2009

I have to say that being an ER nurse is not what I thought it would be. I often feel as if Im working in a clinic. The "rush" that you are talking about does not happen all that often. Of course there are different levels of ERs. It is hard to get on a trauma team, you need to work your way up. I would probably be much happier in trauma. You could also be a flight nurse (requires five years critical care) RNs in the ER can make very good money depending on where they work. I have spoken with some that make around 50 an hour. We have no LPNS. If you can bridge from Paramedic to RN go for it! IF ER is really what you want being a paramedic would most likely be best.

Chapis · Jul 7, 2009

if your goal is to be an rn, then go to lpn school then bridge to rn. imo

DanainOrlando · Jul 7, 2009

I don't think I'd be able to tell which job I'd like better - paramedic or ER nurse - until I actually worked in the job.

One of my biggest concerns is just getting hired when I graduate, in this terrible economy. Who ever thought it would be hard to get a job as a nurse? That used to be the fail-safe!

Oh well. I appreciate the input from everybody! I'll have to make up my mind in the next few days.

PAERRN20 · Jul 7, 2009

I would go for LPN. I work closely with paramedics, and while they are very skilled at what they do, they are not nurses. Nurses plan for care throughout the acute illness as well as throughout the whole lifespan. Paramedics are very focused on a short, limited time frame. I am no undermining paramedics; I work with intelligent, skilled medics. If you long term goal is to be an RN, hands down becoming an LPN will be valuable no matter what area of nursing you go into.

Scyankee · Jul 7, 2009

I would say take a look at the classes you'll need to take in both bridge programs. I know there is a bridge program here for both but those who choose the medic first still end up taking a lot of the same classes that they would of already taken in the LPN program.. So take a look at what classes you have to take in the bridge programs and if most are similar to those of the LPN program take the LPN program and get then out of the way.