MidnightAzalea

I had to tech for 3 months after I graduated, but had a lot of support from my manager. My facility did not hire GNs, and while my dept technically did not hire new grads, they got permission from our medical director to hire me. I had been a tech there for over 4 years, though, so they were invested in my education. They also technically should not have kept me on as a tech, but they knew they were just waiting for a position to open up for me.

There is absolutely none of the posting and responding to posts junk that some other online places require. Tasks are generally papers or power points that are submitted via Taskstream as they are completed, you don't have to wait to hear back to start on the next one. There's generally 2-5 tasks per class. Work that isn't up to snuff is sent back to you with comments so you can fix and resubmit, there's course mentors you can email or call for help on specific tasks. There isn't any interacting with fellow students at all, unless you post on the WGU FB or their message board, all of which is available if you want but isn't mandatory at all.

I recently completed my ASN to BSN and loved it, it took me a year to do (and I'm a procrastinator!). Several of my co-workers and my manager are also attending the school, it works well for people with busy schedules.

I'm looking to go into an FNP program (or maybe women's health?). I started out with my ASN and recently completed by BSN through WGU, a program I did well in. My husband and I are moving out of state in about a year, so if I wanted to do an in-person program, it would be a year from now. Money is tight for us now but will be better once we move. My current employer has a generous tuition reimbursement program. I'm considering doing an MSN with WGU over the next year (ASN to BSN took me one year) and then doing a post-master's cert FNP afterwards once we complete our move. Is this a good idea? I should I just do a BSN to FNP/DNP program after the move? Am I just confused about how the post-master's certs work?

Retention sutures?

If I wanted to eventually get my medic, would it speed things along to have my EMT-B or would it just be an RN-medic bridge program?

The critical care transport does sound intriguing... hmm!

I've been an EMT-B (NREMT) for several years. My current license expires 3/12, though I graduate from nursing school 12/11 and hope to take my NCLEX 1/12. I work as an ED Tech right now and plan to continue on as an ED nurse. I'm usually a "the more certs the better" person, but I'm not sure how useful this particular license would be. Is it worthwhile to maintain my EMT-B? Would my nursing classes count towards EMT CEUs? I wouldn't mind re-testing, though I'd rather not have to go that route. Thanks!

Try not to stare at whatever it is (outside of an impersonal clinical assessment) and try not to think too much about how you would feel if it was you. I find staring at blood is a sure way to start feeling off about it no matter how used to it you are. Good luck!

From a current RN student who is also an EMT and has heard a lot about other students like us: - Don't be that person who has to tell a story about your experience with every question. Nobody will appreciate it. - Stop thinking like an EMT. This sounds odd, but for testing, some of it is very different. However, safety and ABCs as the priority will always be helpful on the HESI and NCLEX. - Again with the stories, especially if they're made in a statement about how you know something. You'll sound like a know-it-all and again, your stories will only be interesting to a few people. I recommend using very few and only very relevant ones. I try VERY hard not to be obnoxious with my stories, and still think I fail at it sometimes. Story-specific questions, as in questions that are very specific and situation-based, should be saved for after class or during breaks to quietly ask the teacher about. They'll mention it if they feel it's important for everyone else, but otherwise it can come off as wasting everyone else's time or bragging, either of which you want. Good luck!

I wear Landau comfort shoes, forget the name, but they're all rubber so I can easily wipe them off. Nobody wants to clean blood/poo/etc off of shoelaces! I also get no-show socks with cushion, normally when they're on sale from wherever. I would go for a cheap watch that is easy to clean. I have a $12 one from Walmart that lights up (I recommend this for dark rooms when you don't want to disturb the pt) and has a second hand. I've oddly gotten tons of compliments on my cheapo pink watch!

ASNs are still getting hired in my area, but it may be different in yours. I'd check your local boards here and ask.

Sure, or you can do your ASN so you can start making money sooner before moving on to your BSN. It really depends on your area, financial situation, etc.

I'm an EMT-B working in an ED. It's actually possible to work in a lot of different places with your EMT-B depending on your area -- I've been able to use it as a medical assistant, CNA, etc. Where I work, paramedics have no more scope of practice than I do. However, working at an ED (or any hospital) has the added benefits of getting your foot in the door at a healthcare system and making you eligible for what can be significant amounts of tuition assistance. I'm doing my ADN now, and will likely do my BSN after that while I'm working. Since I've been working as a tech, the managers know me and I've established myself enough that I will hopefully be able to work as new grad in the ED right out of school, which is not too common. There's short RN to paramedic bridge courses out there, so in terms of what to do first, I'd get my RN and then paramedic and additional certifications. You can check out ENA.org for more info (Emergency Nurses Association).

Think of situations where you'd want a patient to have Gatorade (LR) vs water (NS). :)