Paramedic to RN Students

[CKPM2RN, ASN, EMT-P]

I am a 15+ year paramedic working on my RN through a bridge program. There has been some push-back from some RN's out in the world and I want to know why some RN's dislike paramedics so much. Please tell me why you do or don't like the idea of paramedic to RN programs and feel free to ask any questions of me.

And if you're in the same boat, I would love to be in contact with you to share experiences and ideas.

[OhLookASquirrel]

I didn't know these programs existed. I also don't know anything about paramedic programs. Honestly as long as there aren't any gaps in knowledge and you can provide safe patient care I don't see a problem. I would like to hear from someone who opposes it so I could understand the issue a bit more.

Do you feel like being a paramedic has helped prepare you to be an RN?

[CKPM2RN, ASN, EMT-P]

Sorry about the gap in reply here, I've been studying so much I haven't been here in a while!

Our paramedic program is a two-year equivalent degree, but in my state, the actual time in class may vary depending on the program. (I can't speak to other states.) there is a National Registry test to complete that involves both a written exam and a practical exam. We cover A&P, pharmacology and other vital to patient care topics but in a focus on emergent care. "What will move the patient towards homeostasis until we can deliver to comprehensive care?" is an unofficial motto. Of course there is a LOT of trauma and MI/SCA training.

I was also lucky enough to be an ED medic in a local emergency room for 6 years assisting the RN's, doing whatever was asked (within scope of course!). I have been the primary "nurse" for very low acuity patients once cleared as such by the RN and the physician, I "line-and-labbed" hundreds and did trained tech work such as foley insertion and wound irrigation. These are things that paramedics can do for RN's.

Being a paramedic has prepared me for a change to RN in many ways. Working with a huge variety of patients with many singular and multiple complaints has challenged me to consider always what could be the next needed intervention and what complications may be expected. I have continually worked to communicate with my patients to educate them on their disease process and medications. I enjoy finding ways to help each person to understand what is going on and how treatments can help. I have been very prepared in working with families of patients; we are in their homes during crisis and it gives one a side of humanity that I don't think even comes out in a hospital setting.

I am very much looking forward to the change in career because I want to have more involvement with my patients. I like people and I like to help, the whole reason I became a FF/paramedic in the first place.

[ArrowRN, BSN, RN]

I was a former EMT turned nursing student and nursing seems like the next natural choice. I'm in a generic BSN program, and there are some paramedics who also go that route even though its longer. I don't understand why any nurse won't like to have a paramedic on their team. Paramedics have some skills that are way above what the average floor nurse can do. The only issues I see is that paramedics are taught using the medical model as opposed to the nursing model and this could lead to making snap decisions without using critical thinking skills that nursing requires. That's the only downside I know of otherwise I strongly support having paramedic to RN programs and it could only make nursing stronger. You've made a good choice and it's good to know what happens after the ambulance drops off the patient.

[CKPM2RN, ASN, EMT-P]

The medical model vs. the nursing model is the big difference! I was lucky enough to have a friend who had already gone PM to RN and she gave me good information on the difference. At the beginning of my studies I made sure that I remembered to think like a nurse, not like a medic. My years in the ED really helped me to understand this as well.

We do bring something new to the table as medics, but so many nursing organizations are so against us! I really don't understand it, we are a really great adjunct.

[pmabraham, BSN, RN]

Good day, CKPM2RN:

I've always respected anyone with prior health care training in my classes; all of the ones I've met (EMT, paramedic, etc.) have shown kindness, wisdom, and knowledge.

Thank you.

[TLSpaz, ASN, RN]

Former Army medic here who successfully completed a bridge program 4 years ago; our stories actually sound quite similar. I think the best way to prove the nay-Sayers wrong is just to get out there and DO what they think you aren't capable of doing. I don't believe in luck, so just get in there, dig in, study hard, practice, practice, practice, and you will be there before you know it. :-)