Paramedic to RN: Getting Started

[engine40ladder35]

hey, i am a paramedic for virginia and unfortunately, cannot find a paramedic to rn course online. my resources have led me to apply at ec and take the paramedic to rn online course. i have read many of the posts on here about the cpne and other nursing related questions. my questions is, how is ec on there general education classes (i.e. microbiology)? if anyone has any input of what i should expect or tips to help me get started, it would be greatly appreciated.

[Brianna Ellen]

On 8/20/2010 at 10:17 AM, Pixie.RN said:

I'm also in Virginia. I'm hoping you're aware that Virginia doesn't allow direct licensure for EC grads right now -- it's in the works legislatively speaking, but there are no guarantees. The stopped allowing direct licensure at the end of 2009. You can endorse an RN license in when you have 960 hours of RN experience in another location, or at a federal facility. State info on EC's site: https://www.excelsior.edu/Excelsior_College/My_Excelsior_College/Electronic_Peer_Network/Discussion_Boards

With that being said, EC was a fabulous program for me. ? The first thing you should do (if you haven't already) is to submit an application and any transcripts to EC to see which classes you really need for the program. I thought their exams were challenging, but do-able with study.

Welcome to the forum, and allnurses!

Hey! Do you have anymore information regarding clinical requirements for applying for VA licensure by endorsement? The website is extremely vague. It says it allows people with less than satisfactory requirements to apply and you must have 960 hours. My school required 183 hours for LPN and 324 hours for RN. I worked as an LPN for a year and a half so I’m sure I would qualify, but I’ve only worked as an RN since the end of September. Would my 324 RN clinical hours combined with my hours at work suffice for a license?

[Lunah, MSN, RN]

59 minutes ago, Brianna Ellen said:

Hey! Do you have anymore information regarding clinical requirements for applying for VA licensure by endorsement? The website is extremely vague. It says it allows people with less than satisfactory requirements to apply and you must have 960 hours. My school required 183 hours for LPN and 324 hours for RN. I worked as an LPN for a year and a half so I’m sure I would qualify, but I’ve only worked as an RN since the end of September. Would my 324 RN clinical hours combined with my hours at work suffice for a license?

Sorry, I have no idea! I took the NCLEX and was licensed by the time this was a thing. Hopefully the board can give you a good answer.

[Kharis, BSN, RN, EMT-P]

Just wanted to encourage you not to give up on your dreams.

I was a full-time FF/EMT-P prior to becoming an RN-BSN. It can be done. My route was probably a little different from yours as I had a previous BA degree. That allowed me to take the accelerated BSN program. At the time, this was new but now, many schools offer them. Acceleration allowed me to graduate with my BSN in 15mos and half the credits at the MSN level.

Regardless - pursue your career. Keep your chin up and your head down. I found my paramedic experience and knowledge base to be an excellent foundation for class and work on the unit. Cheers!