My back needs a break

[pacjeffery]

I've signed up for EMT training (B & I only). Currently, I work as a hospital CNA. I get placed with combative 1:1's or put on rehab units. Oh yeah, I'm 6'2" and 290lb. After three years of this, I am tired. Not of healthcare, but the continuous back-breaking assignments. The smaller CNA's get easier work. In May 2014 I'll have my EMT-Intermediate. I can work a rig or ED as a tech through RN school. Any ideas on what I can do until then? Should I tough out this next year? It'd make sense to get a foot in the door in my hospital's ED. Is there a ''calmer'' floor than Psych? Med/Surg is tedious.

[CCRNCMC11]

My advice is to try pediatric icu! I worked as a tech in one through nursing school and most of the patients you can lift no problem! Even adult icu is better than med surg. At least the RN's there help out.

[pacjeffery]

This place doesn't have a PICU, NICU or PCU. ED, Med/Surg, ICU, Psych only. Weird, huh?

[CCRNCMC11]

Icu is much better to be a tech than an ms floor in my opinion. In an icu the RNs have 1 maybe 2 pt's and if they're good nurses they help with the baths and all that. I got my EMT-B in nursing school too and having that helped me get into both ER and ICU. Are you planning on getting your RN or anything?

[pacjeffery]

Well yes indeed. My plan is to go through EMT-Intermediate, obtain my RN, somehow get into the ED & work there through NP school. My end game is FNP in the ED.

[pacjeffery]

If I can't get ED then I'd prefer NICU or SICU (ok any ICU). With the EMT I was looking at being a flight nurse. But it still comes back to FNP in the ED.