Paramedic to Nursing.. info please?

[Destiny23]

Hello all! I have a question and hopefully I can gain some insight through your responses.

I was wondering if being a certified paramedic (w/ an associates in science EMS degree) would make it easier to apply to a nursing program with the hopes of being a trauma/ER nurse? By "easier" I'm referring to the experience gained as a paramedic; would you say a nurse w/ paramedic experience is a great asset to any ER/trauma center?

hope to hear from someone soon

[bookwormom]

I am a nursing instructor who has had students with EMT background. Sure, your experience is valuable, but you will still have to meet all the prerequisites for the nursing program you are interested in. Plus, when you are admitted, you will find that the nursing focus is quite a bit different than the EMT or paramedic focus. (You may be surprised at all the courses you will take-- psychology, micro, OB nursing, etc. It might seem like these wouldn't be necessary in the ER setting, but if you study to be a RN, you aren't preparing yourself for just one setting.)

You sound pretty motivated; that is always an asset!