New here and neep help!!

pmabraham, BSN, RN · May 7, 2014

Good day, Danielle:

I can provide input into only one of the questions. I believe if you became a paramedic or EMT, and spent at least 1 to 2 years in the field prior to going to school, that would be of help. There's an experienced paramedic in my AP2 and Microbiology class who does extremely well because he has the street experience.

Thank you.

Been there,done that, ASN, RN · May 7, 2014

Please get professional assistance towards your education/career goal.

You are a bright ambitious young woman.

Why not go for your doctorate?

NurseGirl525, ASN, RN · May 7, 2014

Please get professional assistance towards your education/career goal.
You are a bright ambitious young woman.
Why not go for your doctorate?

I was also wondering this. If nursing is what you compared with an Emergency Room Doctor, then your goal would be to become an RN first. I would suggest getting your BSN. Then get some experience at bedside and get your MSN then a doctorate. Most MSN programs want you to have some bedside experience in critical care before applying. At some point to become a NP you will need a doctorate. It's not a change that will probably happen in the next few years but it is coming in your lifetime. There is a big difference between a doctor and nurse so I would thoroughly research the two and decide what would work best for your interests. The doctor and nurse are two parts of a highly complex medical team and while they work together their jobs are very different.

AmyRN303, BSN, RN · May 7, 2014

Agreeing with the others. And if you want to get your feet wet in an ED as a PCT, the EMT certification comes in handy, at least here. Most of the hospitals in my area require EMT certification for their PCTs.

If I'd started put as a high school grad (and not as a 36 year old mom of 4) I'd have gone for the BSN and then the DNP.

windsurfer8, BSN, RN · May 7, 2014

I think 'everything' can help with becoming a nurse. Travel...school...reading....military service....It all can help. You build life experiences. I had a previous bachelors in business before my ABSN. I also served in military and have travelled all over the world. It has all made me more confident in dealing with people. When I was in Iceland I was alone and that forces you to become good at striking up conversations...helps you as a nurse. You learn empathy because you know how bad it can be. So would being an EMT help you as a nurse? I would think so! Put yourself in challenging positions and then survive...it builds character. Take classes you know nothing about or that make you "nervous". Go for it...enjoy the ride and hit it hard.

danielletardio · May 7, 2014

I was also wondering this. If nursing is what you compared with an Emergency Room Doctor, then your goal would be to become an RN first. I would suggest getting your BSN. Then get some experience at bedside and get your MSN then a doctorate. Most MSN programs want you to have some bedside experience in critical care before applying. At some point to become a NP you will need a doctorate. It's not a change that will probably happen in the next few years but it is coming in your lifetime. There is a big difference between a doctor and nurse so I would thoroughly research the two and decide what would work best for your interests. The doctor and nurse are two parts of a highly complex medical team and while they work together their jobs are very different.

Thank you for the response, something else im getting confused about is what can an RN do in the ED and what can A NP do in the ED

momof3jboys · May 7, 2014

Have you ever looked into PA (Physicians Assistant) schooling? Just from reading your post it sounds like something you might benefit from looking into. HUGE scope of practice and you can specialize in emergency care or anything really. Good luck!!

Lev, MSN, RN, NP · May 8, 2014

1) Yes. Any health related career helps.

2) You will definitely have some on the job training. I don't think it's necessary to go to an Emergency NP program in order to work ED, but it's a definite plus. Some EDs want Family NP certification in addition to Acute Care NP certification.

3) Emergency nurse practitioners can diagnose illness and prescribe medications and tests.

danielletardio · May 8, 2014

I've looked into PA but I've heard that they don't usually get the front lines of emergency that they usually deal with less critical patients? I know I want to be a nurse though with specialization Ito work in the ED