EMT and Nursing

I am both an EMT and a nurse. I like the variety it brings to the table. Many other nurses (both LPN and RN) get involved in both hospital and pre-hospital care for the same types of reasons.

I have just completed a course of study that allows me to keep my EMT license. To say that I was a bit shocked is a huge understatement. It was eye opening, and got me thinking.

As an LPN, I am "used" to the "little pretend nurse" snarky comments that are often made. In my role on an ambulance, this is not the case. I have not found emt's higher on the food chain to be snarky in "you are but a basic emt". Perhaps it is the closed quarters of an ambulance where everyone has to work together toward the same goal. One would think on a unit, that would be the same type of thing, but I don't often see it.

The scopes and responsibilities are totally different, however, each has its place in patient care. I was shocked at the general eye rolling, "oh look, the nurse thinks she knows everything now" attitude present at the presentations. (Uhm, no I don't know everything, however, lets get this show on the road so that we can leave on time, perhaps?!)

Then, it was a lively debate on refering to EMT's as "clinicians", "practioners" and "medical practioners". In nursing, this means something entirely different. To EMT's that is how most of the teachers refer to themselves, and encourage EMT's at any level to refer to themselves. Which sets up for some incredibly skewed communication. MD's are "medical direction". It is a strange concept to grasp.

Generally, I am treated completely different as a fellow EMT than I am as a nurse. I had a patient who had boggy heels. I attempted to put heel protectors on for transport. Was told that the EMT's "didn't get 'into' this M/S stuff" and they quickly left with the patient. Fast forward to the next day, when I was on ambulance to transport patient to an alternate level of care as an EMT. Heels even more boggy, I say "I need some heel protectors". EMT with me says "nice assessment and nice catch, document it, please". SERIOUSLY.

There should be in every level of patient care a general respect for those who do what they do. If we all have the same goal, is it really necessary that egos get in the way? We all seek the level of training that will get us to where we want to be. What we enjoy. Where we can make a difference and get paid to do it.

So know that an EMT at any level is being taught that they are practioners. Know that as nurses, that sometimes can come off as someone being something they are not. It is a word association thing, not an ego thing (or it could be, the jury is out for me). Know that as an nurse, we are taught entirely differently and are seeking to assess on the long term. EMT's assess on the short term. Nurses want to go home with everyone still alive who should be. EMT's want someone alive when they hit the ER door. What seems "basic" to a nurse, is not something that could be even in the realm of thought for an EMT. And they are taught that they are to report to MD's, or NP's and not "the nurse". EMT is not a nursing function.

What seemed to be a common thread is that we all have patient populations that we don't necessarily enjoy. That we all have a part of us that asks "why is this patient here" or "why are we transporting this patient". It doesn't have to be all kumbya moments, however, general respect of differences can only benefit the patient.