Paramedic RN New grad

HopefulSRNA1234 · Oct 31, 2014

Hey Natnat. I'm not sure if you're aware but NY has a state law that all RNs in the ER have at least 1 year of nursing experience. The only exception is for state approved residency programs. In NYC only LIJ and NYP offer the program for new grads in the ER (if you're in NYC). You might be wasting your time applying to jobs in the ER. NY is the only state that has that law so if you have your heart set on ER you can look out of state or one of those programs.

Also, on your resume, do you include things that are medic specific (like intubating and administering IV fluids and that sort of thing)? That might help display the difference between a medic and an EMT to nurse recruiters. Remember that the nurse recruiters (HR) are probably the ones looking at your resume rather than nurse managers so they might not be as aware of the differences between an EMT and medic.

HopefulSRNA1234 · Oct 31, 2014

Here is the law if you're interested: http://www.health.ny.gov/professionals/doctors/graduate_medical_education/other_related_information/405_19.htm

It's about three/fourths of the way down the page and states: (iii) Registered professional nurses in the emergency service shall be licensed and currently registered professional nurses who possess current, comprehensive knowledge and skills in emergency health care. They shall have at least one year of clinical experience, have successfully completed an emergency nursing orientation program and be able to demonstrate skills and knowledge necessary to perform basic life support measures. Within one year of assignment to the emergency service, each emergency service nurse shall have successfully completed a course in ACLS or have had training and experience equivalent to ACLS and shall maintain current competence in ACLS as determined by the hospital.

natnat122 · Oct 31, 2014

HI GoVeg I had NO idea about that law whatsoever! Thanks so much for bringing that to light.. I've tried LIJ as well I will try again.. I have added that I perform IVs, Intraosseous lines, intubate, 3 and 12 lead ekgs etc on my resume.. Still no callbacks.

HopefulSRNA1234 · Oct 31, 2014

Yeah, it seems like not many people do! I want to do ER too so I was bummed to hear it. LIJ just started their ED fellowship in October so I don't think the next one will be until next May - July . Good luck though!! I'm trying to get my NJ license and might try my luck there if I don't have a job by the time I get it.

natnat122 · Oct 31, 2014

Thanks.. How are you going about getting your NJ license? I'd probably like to try that too..

HopefulSRNA1234 · Oct 31, 2014

You just go to the NJ Board of Nursing website and apply. It costs about 200 and then takes a few months. I've heard they're really slow. I called them and they said 12-14 weeks. All you have to do is fill out an application, pay the fee, and then submit docs like transcripts and birth certificate. It's really easy.

natnat122 · Oct 31, 2014

Oh okay.. $200 kinda steep I just graduated and took nclex not too long ago so I'll wait a bit.. thanks for the info! I hope someone calls me soon, if you find anything please keep me updated!

BR157 · Oct 31, 2014

HI GoVeg I had NO idea about that law whatsoever! Thanks so much for bringing that to light.. I've tried LIJ as well I will try again.. I have added that I perform IVs, Intraosseous lines, intubate, 3 and 12 lead ekgs etc on my resume.. Still no callbacks.

Sadly most people including those hiring dont even know the difference between an EMT and paramedic..

Are you applying for a new grad nurse position or a Paramedic job.

What does it matter if a NURSE recruiter does not know the difference between EMT and Paramedic if you are being hired for a new grad NURSE position?

Did you add any of your extracurricular activity while in nursing school? Research topics? GPA?

If you boast only your Paramedic skills as a new grad nurse you might be perceived as someone who already has a "I know more than you" attitude who still wants to be a Paramedic rather than a nurse. They may see you as someone who won't play well with other nurses and health care personnel. They may see you as someone who has the potential to be a loose cannon and a liability when you go off focusing on the cool skills instead of doing what is expected of a nurse. You won't be performing any of those skills or at least not as a new grad. There will be many others to perform those.

Beef up your resume as a NURSE and promote yourself as a team player. Show that you can separate being a Paramedic and focus on being a nurse.

AnnieOaklyRN, BSN, RN, EMT-P · Nov 1, 2014

Hey OP,

Do not loose hope I got a job as a new graduate hired right into an ER as an RN and did awesome because of my medic experience! Keep applying, highlight those skills on you resume if you are applying for ER positions, such as already knowing how to read an EKG, being proficient at IV starts, and assessments. Keep your chin up and don't give up despite what some opinionated people have to say!

HPRN

BR157 · Nov 1, 2014

Hey OP,
Do not loose hope I got a job as a new graduate hired right into an ER as an RN and did awesome because of my medic experience! Keep applying, highlight those skills on you resume if you are applying for ER positions, such as already knowing how to read an EKG, being proficient at IV starts, and assessments. Keep your chin up and don't give up despite what some opinionated people have to say!
HPRN

Why did you leave that ER job?

There is nothing wrong with others giving pointers on what employers want to read or hear.

In this situation it was pointed out about the state law. Things like that matter and are of importance when applying. You can not always rely on luck or by bombing the potential employer with numerous applications. One or two well thought out applications should present your qualifications.

An applicant has to read the job description carefully and design a resume and cover letter which highlights what the employer is looking for.

In your case on another post the employer wanted a BSN. If you don't have one your chances of getting the job decreases. To some employers it might come across as not taking the time to read the job description to know what is required.

Sure you can stress some skills but only if they don't over shadow what the employer is seeking or make it seem like you are applying for a different job like a Paramedic position instead of the RN. To the employer, you may be setting yourself up for a let down when the RN job is not living up to your expectations as a Paramedic.