harrird

Thanks for taking the time to reply, I really appreciate it! Both my parents were firefighter/medics. My mother was one of the first women in the state. I was an explorer in high school and actually did CPR for the first time in the back of an ambulance at 15 years old. That being said I realize none of that is a substitute for real scene work (which I would love to do). Here's my problem. I work. A lot. From what I can tell I could take a semester class to obtain EMT-B (keep in mind, I've taught EMT-P students for several years now as an ER nurse) but I really don't understand what I would learn driving the truck or administering O2 while taking vital signs for $10/hr. I would love the opportunity to get some training at the paramedic level, ie intubations - and I've seriously considered flying out to Nebraska for a couple of weeks to take the Creighton program. I would have no problem taking classes on scene management, extrication, etc. But EMT-B seems absolutely pointless to me. You're absolutely correct on the weight issue. It's important, and something I need to address. 220 is about as light as I could go though. :) What would your thoughts on the Creighton program be? If I went and got an EMT-P after a couple weeks work? Honestly I would probably be happy to take a pay cut to work some PRN in the field as a medic, I wouldn't want to do it for long but I think 6 months would be ok, and if it allowed me to be a better resource or give me a better shot at landing a flight job it would totally be worth it. Free time is just very valuable to me right now, and I would want it to mean something when I applied.

Hello everyone! Thanks in advance for taking a minute to read this post and hopefully point me in the right direction. I currently work full time in a combined CCU/CVICU, typically I'm on the open heart side of the unit recovering fresh CABG and Valves. But I function very well on the medical side too. I've been in this position for 2 years - I'm a designated unit preceptor and a relief charge nurse. I work flexi in a level 3 ER. I have 5 years of ED experience (3.5 yrs full time), and I worked flexi in a lvl 1 pediatric ED for about a year and a half. I have a bachelor's degree in another field and an ADN. I have ACLS, and my PALS just expired (obviously recertifying this ASAP, I've just been busy). I never took TNCC, or any of the other Trauma certs, as they weren't required in the level three I worked full time at. Which course would you recommend? And is it a MUST before I apply? I've held a CEN for almost 4 years, and I passed CCRN today. I was a pharmaceutical rep for 3.5 years before entering nursing school. I know that this experience might not seem relevant, but it seems like most of the CCT companies need people that can "sell" their image to the various ER attendings at different hospitals. Becoming a flight nurse is my dream and I've worked hard to obtain the skills necessary to succeed in a very demanding position. Am I close? Ideally I would be interested in rotors, but if I had the opportunity to get my foot in the door with a jet/ambulance service should I take it and wait it out? Finally, I'm 6' 240lbs - deal breaker for rotors? I know some friends that are larger that fly - and they told me "if it fits, it flies" is this accurate with some of the larger aircraft?

I know that you flight nurses must get tired of reading these posts, but it's just because everyone wants to be where you all are. Hopefully when I land a job I will be able to pay it forward and provide some advice to the folks looking for work. First of all I live in Alabama, so any state specific information would be GREATLY appreciated! BA in unrelated field. ADN December of 2011 Total nursing experience - 4 years ED Experience - 3.5 years (BLS, ACLS, CEN) Pediatric ED Experience - 1.5 years PRN Lvl 1 Trauma Center (PALS) CVICU - 7 months (I recover fresh CABG patients, proficient with IABP, CRRT, Vents, multiple titratable drips, etc.) This is my current position. I plan on working here AT LEAST a year before applying. I also plan on sitting for CCRN around August. That would give me two advanced certifications. My dream job would be doing scene work rotors. But I would be open to CCT jet transport. I'm a bigger guy, but plan on weighing in under 220lbs by August. I've been following this board and learning all I can to put together a stellar resume since graduating in 2011. Any additional certs I'm missing? Thought about TCCN, but I've heard most services value CEN over that one since it includes trauma competencies. Since I'm out of the ED now it would be out of pocket for me to find a class and take that cert. I've also considered getting an EMT-B or EVEN pursing a bridge program to paramedic through Creighton in Nebraska. I've heard that certs without experience behind them aren't really that useful though, and honestly the cost of that program would be pretty tough to work around. I just want to make sure I have ALL my i's dotted and t's crossed before applying. There aren't many flight jobs around and I want to put my best foot forward from the start. Again any input or advice would be GREATLY appreciated. All the best. Bonus points to anyone that has any contacts in the Alabama world of flight nursing. I realize it's a small community and would welcome anyone willing to network with me.

Just studying for your CEN will help your confidence a lot. I took Mark Boswell's class and passed the first time. Look him up on youtube. Most of his lectures are there for free.

Interesting thread. Got a better understanding with the colander analogy. Thanks.

Honest answer? Master your skills. You have some leeway at your first position, the people there still see you as a new grad. When you take the next position, you're going to be expected to just come in and perform. Maybe some light orientation concerning the new places specific computer software, admission procedures, etc. I noticed you started a thread 2 months ago about being new to the ED and having difficulty with IV insertions. Make sure you're ready. Best of luck.

I think your textbooks would be more than adequate. Just study up on common ED ailments. Chest Pain, Kidney Stones, Abdominal Pain, Headache, URI, CVA, CHF, COPD Exacerbation, etc. Know what the S/Sx of these problems look like. What Labs/Diagnostic tests you need. Treatments and you'll be ahead of the game.

Could you come in on your own time a couple shifts and shadow without pay? That would allow you to get a feel for supplies and housekeeping stuff.

Just an observation: You haven't even started becoming a nurse yet. Why are you on a nursing site asking for tips on how to become a motivational speaker?? How about be a great nurse first and foremost if that is what your soul searching told you. Trust me it's a full time job. Finally, if you're such a motivator why do you need a mentor to stay on track? This is just weird.

If a patient requests a certain location I try to accommodate them, but if that's not where I want to go I ask them to not hold it against me. Sometimes it works out where they want it. Most times, I get the start where I wanted it on the second attempt. Just my experience.

Got a call from patient access. It was like 0200 and we had the lobby clear... "We need a nurse out here!!" Grabbed some gloves. And some 4x4's. Pt had a 12 inch piece of steel sticking up from his eye like an antler. About the diameter of a car antennae. Went in the upper eyelid and traversed around the globe. Came in POV. Was out in his garage. Metal was hanging and he pushed it out of the way and it snapped into his eye. My comment to staff after he was transported to eye foundation. "Do you know what a goth kid would pay for that piercing?!"

Congrats on the job offer. Sounds like good experience. And 4 months orientation is nothing to sneeze at. I had 8 shifts. All ED's have their share of difficult patients. Best of luck with boards.

Congrats on finishing and welcome to the ED.

So glad you are on the road to recovery. God bless.

Thanks for sharing calaab and sissiesmama. Those were both touching stories.

I guess it depends on the particular hospitals you're looking to apply to. I was hired directly out of nursing school.

I definitely agree with Altra, BUT I would add a few things. I'm a new ER nurse, and I've had a couple of my peers that just didn't have the chops so to speak. One commonality between those of us that are doing well vs the wash outs is attitude. Pretty much everything can be taught and improved on over time, but approaching a new situation with the proper attitude can help you to standout or simply succeed. What's interesting is Attitude is about the only thing you CAN control in a busy ER. Sometimes as a new nurse, no matter how hard you try you're simply not going to be equipped for what comes through the door. You can't control the volume you're going to see on a given night nor the level of acuity. I think maybe what your preceptor meant is you have the right attitude and mindset. Some other traits that are inherent in successful people (regardless of department, or even profession) are perseverance, being open to instruction, and having a thick skin helps. Best of luck, and welcome to the ER.

Thanks for your honest assessment. Maybe I wasn't clear, but I'm not looking to fly for at least 5-10 years. I in no way feel currently qualified. Thanks for pointing me in the right direction.

God Bless. I know that was tough.

I think they are talking about CEN, CCRN, CDN etc. - those specialty certs, not ACLS, PALS, TNCC, etc. Could be wrong.

Excellent thread. OP some additional information would be useful in these situations. Pt Age, COPD, CHF, why was her crit down to begin with? Hemocult? It was stated that the patient already had antibiotics x2 I believe. Did she have cultures drawn first? Why wasn't a type and cross drawn at that time? I agree with others this lady definitely needs additional access. Do what you have to do to make that happen. Get some help! ABG's are also a priority in determining if she needs ETT placement or BiPAP. Kudos to you for having the drive to improve your skill set by asking for information here.

I'm obviously very interested in a career in flight nursing. I'm trying to work my way through the myriad of certs. Here's a brief resume. BA in Poli Sci. 2.5 years Patient Care Tech on Transplant ICU ADN Took boards in Feb 12. Current ED RN (Lvl 3) 7 mos experience. Just accepted PRN position at a Lvl 1 Pediatric ED (and Express Admit Unit) BLS, ACLS, Triage, Moderate Sedation Certs. PALS next month. ENA Member. Planning on TNCC, and ENPC classes ASAP. Trying to work out scheduling for ITLS class in October as well. I've also got CEN on the agenda, but want to tackle that after 2 years experience. I'm seriously considering a Paramedic Bridge program, but I'm also a divorced father of two, so my free time is disappearing quite quickly, and to my knowledge no programs are available in AL. I looked into Creighton's 2 week class, but I'm a little weary of the price, and the 2 weeks vacation/room board/flight fare I would have to figure out. Anyhow, I know anything worth having is going to require some sacrifice. Any tips?

I enjoyed the book. Very engrossing. I think I read it in a couple of days.

Congrats on your accomplishments. I'm thinking about following a similar pathway. Have you found any RN > Paramedic bridge programs? I know some states have them. Also, is there a time frame required before taking CEN? 2 years of appropriate clinical practice? I don't see myself taking that test before the 2 year mark, just curious.

It's difficult for sure. I'm about 6 months ahead of you. I had 8 shifts of orientation. The pace can be brutal, the nights never-ending. If you can get in, you'll know very soon if it's for you or not. There is a lot to learn in addition to your normal policies and procedures: ACLS, PALS, Triage, Moderate Sedation to start. Best of luck!