RN-EMT conflict?

[chuckster, ADN, BSN, RN, EMT-B]

I've been a volunteer EMT/Firefighter with my local fireco for something like 15 years. I had to minimize my volunteering over the past 2 years while I got my ADN. Now that I've finished - and have passed the NCLEX - I thought that I would return to running on the ambulance (I've kept my EMT-B cert current). One of the paramedics that I run with told me that he thought that there was statutory issue in having RNs act as EMTs and that I should carefully check the state regs before running. While I can still respond as a firefighter, I'd also like to run on the ambulance (we have many, many more ambulance than fire calls).

I understand that even though I'm an RN, my scope of practice while on the ambulance is limited to that of an EMT. I've looked through the state statutes however and can't find anything beyond that that seems applicable. I live in PA, so perhaps this is something peculiar to the Commonwealth - has anyone else run across this?

[OCNRN63, RN]

This is something you really need to clarify with the BON.

[Simply Complicated]

I would try to find out from your BON. I've always heard in the past, that while working as a lower title, you are actually held to the standards of your RN license. Not sure if that is true or not.

[mmutk, BSN, RN, EMT-I]

I am an EMT-IV and an RN. It sounds like you have it down correctly. When you are functioning on the ambulance you are what your title is....

If you were hired on as an EMT, you practice as an EMT. Don't worry about the RN licensure. You are STILL an EMT and an RN. But you are functioning as an EMT on the ambulance.

I can assure the BON cares less about this and really you should just address this with the employer. The employer should only have you listed as an EMT and that is how you are expected to function.

It's not like an RN can do anything an EMT cannont anyways in my state. They both cannot practice without medical oversight and the medical director over your ems agency is just going to give you EMT orders to do.

[nurse2033, MSN, RN]

There is no conflict, I've been an RN and paramedic for years. Just stick to your scope of practice with each job. Feel free to message me if you like for any questions.

[ObtundedRN, BSN, RN]

I agree, you would function in the scope of the EMT while on the ambulance. If you were in court, its possible for them to hold you to the highest level which is your RN. But as long as you function in the scope of an EMT, you shouldn't run into that issue.

[himilayaneyes]

It's true that while you're on the ambulance that you would be practicing as an EMT. However, from everything I've ever heard you would still be held to the standards of your license as a RN. I suggest you contact your state BON.

[RLeeRN]

I would certainly get the info right from "your States" BON, as every state has some different opinions on these matters. Better safe than sorry. Hope you find out what you need. God bless.

[SummitRN, BSN, RN]

You can perform interventions at the level your physician medical director authorizes that is also within the scope of your certification.

However, you'll probably be expected to operate at your highest level when it comes to assessment and thinking, even if you cannot do skills.

[LoneWolfRN2010]

In some states if you hold and EMT license and an RN license you can challenge the state paramedic test and become a paramedic. Definitely check into it on the BON for your state.

[LegzRN]

Since you're already at EMT, you can take the ALS test (test questions, not a practical) and become a PHRN in the commonwealth of PA.

[ImThatGuy, BSN, RN]

Generally, you're what your title is. We've had nurses who were EMTs, at all levels, and could only function at the level they were certified at as an EMT. This is Arkansas, btw, but it's likely similar in other states.

Even as a paramedic, I've had to run a shift on a basic-equipped ambulance before, and I could only operate at the basic level because that's what the ambulance was licensed as so I couldn't have taken like an IV kit with me and done those at will.