Nurses vs. Paramedics

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Specializes in Psych, Ortho, Stroke, and TBI.

Okay, this isn't a typical "should I become a paramedic or RN" thread. It's something much goofier.

(EDIT: I WANT TO MAKE THIS CLEAR, THIS IS ALL IN GOOD FUN. JUST SOME FRIENDLY JARRING.)

I have some friends, one is going to school to become a Paramedic, one is a Paramedic, and the last Manages a plasma donation clinic with both Paramedics and RNs.

My guff is with the last guy in particular. He always talks about how there is often friendly jarring between the RNs and the Medics, and claims that more often then not, the Medics win.

I get grief all of the time from these guys, for being a nursing student. Not for the choice itself, but rather because they deem the profession to be a tier below Paramedics in terms of how capable they are. It really pisses me off!!! Don't' get me wrong, they respect my choice, and deep down they respect nurses, but they always like to make snide remarks such as: "if I was in trouble I tell you what the Paramedics are the go-to guys", or "It's not as if the Nurses know 1/2 the stuff Paramedics know."

It's all in good fun, but I need some good comebacks!! I want to represent the Nurses out there, but I'm a mere Pre-nursing student, waiting for fall term to begin. Thus, I'm not "In the know" as they supposedly are.

So, can you all help me out here? I know the condescension is unfounded, and I want to be able to zing them back.

Again, this is merely for fun between my buddies and I. So please, if this offends you, just pass the thread up.

Thanks :pumpiron:

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

I am not going to stoop to any person's low level by conjuring up a few silly comebacks.

If a paramedic feels the need to make snide remarks about nurses in order to feel a boost of self-esteem, that already displays something powerful about his character and personality. A person who is truly happy with his profession will never feel the urge to insult or crack jokes about any other person's profession. Therefore, I believe that many paramedics are truly unhappy with their profession.

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Specializes in Psych, Ortho, Stroke, and TBI.
I am not going to stoop to any person's low level by conjuring up a few silly comebacks.

If a paramedic feels the need to make snide remarks about nurses in order to feel a boost of self-esteem, that already displays something powerful about his character and personality. A person who is truly happy with his profession will never feel the urge to insult or crack jokes about any other person's profession. Therefore, I believe that many paramedics are truly unhappy with their profession.

Off to a bad start... Telling them that I refuse to stoop to their level and suggesting that they are just unhappy with their jobs won't bring down the house. I need funny, not serious. Their's no need for a soap box here, let's keep this light.

You're taking this too seriously, and the intent is not to talk about the merits of why one should or shouldn't take the "high road."

Evidentally, my original post didn't convey the spirit of the jarring that we do. This is just what my buddies do, as we're a bunch of a-holes like that, and it's not to be taken so personally.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
You're taking this too seriously, and the intent is not to talk about the merits of why one should or shouldn't take the "high road."
Okay.
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Specializes in ER.

Nurses don't know half what paramedics know.

reply is

Paramedics don't do half what nurses do.

For the record I don't think one profession is above another. Each is best in their own skill set/situation. If this arguement gets serious it would be best to just let them talk. Braggers in any profession will quickly dig their own hole.

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Specializes in Psych, Ortho, Stroke, and TBI.
Nurses don't know half what paramedics know.

reply is

Paramedics don't do half what nurses do.

Such as?

and thanks btw

For the record I don't think one profession is above another.

I agree.

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I was a paramedic before I was a nurse. Paramedics are able to perform some different types of invasive stuff that nurses can't do. But, paramedics are not nurses. It a whole different type of mentality. I went back to school to be a nurse because nursing pays alot better. I love trauma and emergency medicine. But, I also love nursing.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

I spent 10 years in a level one ER and still do pre-hospital volunteer care. I work very closely with many, many paramedics. I have the utmost respect for them and the feeling is mutual. We joke all the time and sometimes it gets pretty rank (not something I would like to advertise here).

However, there may be other people who are quicker to the punch then me - lol.

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Specializes in Anesthesia.

If it were my buddies that were making jabs at me, I'd probably say something to the effect of...."Well if you guys are soooooooo good and important, then why do you only work in the ambulance/helicoptor and (in some places) the ER? Don't you think that if your paramedic skills were that vital of an asset to the medical community that hospitals would be knocking people out of the way to get you to come work in the ICU, med/surg, OR, long-term care, L&D, etc, etc....And seeing as how nurses CAN function in the role of a paramedic (i.e. Flight RN), looks like nursing is the way to go because I could potentially do both of our jobs....ha!"

DISCLAIMER: Before I get flamed by anyone I want to emphasize that I am merely asking what the OP asked us to comment on. This does not reflect my feelings toward paramedics/EMTs. But I do love jabbing back and forth with my friends in good fun as well. Best of luck!!

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Specializes in emergency and psych.

This is great!!!! And just where do the Paramedics rush to? Where the nurses are!! Seriously though, it's all about understanding exactly what each profession brings to the health care table and why. I've known people in both fields that are outstanding at what they do;and I've known people in both fields that are not so outstanding. Neither could give optimum care to a critical patient without the other, just as a doctor could not give optimum care without a nurse. I bet your buddies already know this, mingez and I'm sure most of your joking is all in good fun as you say. Don't be surprised ,however, if you run across those few who's comments don't ring so funny. There will be a handful who will be jealous of your nursing knowledge (and salary). Ignore....it's not about you.

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Specializes in ER, NICU, NSY and some other stuff.

As my dh hubby is a paramedic I have heard a few of these remarks....

A few years ago he was entertaining the thought of becoming a nurse. He would make remarks that he thought he should just be able to CLEP top the NCLEX. After I stopped laughing hysterically then I asked him what they taught him in Para school about PID, Nursing process, prepping a pt for surgery, cath lab, EGD...........

He is great at what he does and if I was trapped in my car I would trust him or many of his coworkers with my life but what we each do is DIFFERENT.

Have them help you interpret some lab values, or what order set do you need for a female abd pain....

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Specializes in Emergency Room.

I have a good friend (who I respect very much) who is "super-medic" - just one of those guys who has worked everywhere and done everything. We spar too, and it is all in good fun. I know exactly what you're going for :)

"Ohhh, so you're transferring to a lower level of care then, are you?"

"Two words....AIR CONDITIONING" (or heat depending on the season).

"Hmm. Was it raining yesterday? I wouldn't know, I was inside all day."

"Oh, your highness, I have a question for you. Can you help me interpret these lab values? The K is off, but so it the Ca. I can't figure it out. Oh. Neither can you."

"Love me those 12 hour shifts. I go home and sleep in my own bed" (only works if they work 24 hour shifts)

And the best one ever (at least, it shuts Tim up). "You need me to what? Oh, I'm sorry, I'm JUST a nurse. I don't know how to do that!" You have to say it with the sweetest smile though, and only when he asks you to hand him to catsup or something equally as easy. :)

Not bad for not having coffee yet! I'll repost later if I can think of others!

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