Paramedic/RN

Double-Helix, BSN, RN · Jul 20, 2014

A paramedic and an RN are two different careers. Similar, in some ways, but in reality a very different skill set. Likewise, the education programs are very different and do not cross over- meaning that you cannot work as a paramedic with only an RN degree and vise versa. What are your long term goals? Do you plan on holding full time or part time jobs in both fields? Completing a degree or certification as both an RN and paramedic will be time consuming and expensive.

akulahawkRN, ADN, RN, EMT-P · Jul 20, 2014

A Paramedic and an RN are very different careers... there's a fair amount of skill overlap, but the underlying education is very different. I'm currently licensed as both a Paramedic and an RN. They're not interchangeable without quite a bit of education/orientation to the other role. I would advise that if you want to be both, you should pursue the RN license first and find a way to bridge over to Paramedic from there. That would be the fastest way to do it. If you have time and funds, you might consider becoming an EMT before you really get into RN school because that'll teach you stuff that you won't get in RN school that someone working as a provider on an ambulance will need. It's not rocket science, but it's necessary for your safety in the field. Once you're an EMT, keep that under your hat until after you're done with RN school because you don't want to unnecessarily bias your instructors for or against you because you're an EMT.

Sure, you can go through a high-quality Paramedic program and also through an awesome RN program and you'll know a lot about the different areas of patient care but mostly it'll just run up your debt...

Nonyvole, BSN, RN · Jul 20, 2014

Not at the same time...but I was a paramedic before becoming a nurse.

And it is two completely different sides of healthcare. As a medic, I had an amazing amount of autonomy and my standing orders let me do things that I, as a nurse, could only dream of. And vice versa. Now, my paramedic knowledge and skills did help in nursing school, as did my comfort level in working with patients. Immensely. It's also helped direct me into the field of nursing that I'm trying to get into.

Like has been said, I'd suggest going for one and then the other. And asking yourself just what interests you about both.

Dwalker0163 · Jul 20, 2014

Thanks for the Reply! I understand that they are different. I am working on taking my NREMT soon. I want to work as a Paramedic and an RN. Unsure which one I would want to do full time. I eventually might want to get my PA, DNP, or maybe become an MD. Not sure how far I want to take it. I did my ride alongs earlier this year and loved it however I was working in a hospital and I loved it as well. I ideally would like to hold FT jobs in both fields. It would be tough but doable. I also would not mind becoming a Flight Nurse or Paramedic. I am just getting started and with all the different specialties of Nursing the options are almost endless.

RunBabyRN · Jul 21, 2014

I think before you go any further with ANY path, you need to research what they entail. You will waste a lot of time and money if you bounce around like that. Otherwise, you'll be a career student, racking up a TON of debt, considering the majors you're considering. Also, RN and PA programs are HIGHLY impacted.

I'm not sure how you think holding two full time jobs would work. Are you familiar with how paramedic and RN schedules work?

What about becoming an ER tech while you figure things out?

Dwalker0163 · Jul 21, 2014

Yeah I am aware of the typical schedules for paramedics and RNs. One of my friends does it. He works 6, sometimes 7 days a week but loves it. I am used to working that much. I have tried to get on as an ER tech but it's pretty hard to get a job unless I drive 60 miles to do it.

i have researched the fields extensively. Being on a fire department and working with a lot of paramedics from our local Ambulance service and with my wife being a Nurse it is appealing to me. I have no problem paying my way through school. It's just figuring out which route to take first. Other than one person I don't know Anyone who does both. I have heard of people working part time in one and full time in the other. I am mainly curious as to what routes they took or if these schools are

any good lol

Milysa · Jul 21, 2014

I think this is a great idea. I got my EMT-B license while I was waiting to start RN school and it was really helpful with nursing topics. I know that around here (Ohio) some schools have a paramedic to RN where you can get your RN in about 12 mo. It's an ADN but a good way to save money! A good friend of mine was a flight paramedic who became a nurse and went straight into a trauma icu! Good luck and do whatever you want!

ChrissyRN74 · Jul 23, 2014

Since you seem to like both fields why don't you look into flight nursing or even transport nursing.

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · Jul 23, 2014

Since you asked for advice.....you sound like you are ALL over the map. You want to do everything, LOL, and have a LONG way to go to get to any of them.

So.....my advice is to pursue RN education, and work toward becoming a trauma RN (should satisfy your adrenaline craving). All the rest will distract you from finishing a single goal.

CAN all this be done. Why yes.....theoretically. But I think you'll find that most people who do both RN and paramedic did not do the schooling simulataneously, they did one and then pursued the other.

I think you'll have a far greater chance of success by not divvying up your available time for courses, studying into lots of different directions.

Once you do ONE thing, and learn it well, you might begin to think about what the 'next step' is. Saying PA, or DNP, or maybe MD, is like saying you might want to be a fireman....or a policeman...or maybe a lawyer. Just too scattered. But that's my opinion :)