Rn to medic

paramed1 · Mar 5, 2014

KCTRN,

i actually went paramedic to ED RN, so I can't give specifications in terms of challenging (sorry!). In terms of working in both environments... I think you'll love work on a bus! It is a whole different set of skills and challenges. I also think it will give you a great perspective for what happens in the prehospital environment.

Good luck with challenging!

CowboyMedic, DNP, APRN, CRNA · Mar 5, 2014

I don't believe you can challenge the NREMT test without completing an approved Paramedic program. Just like how a Paramedic has to complete an approved RN program to test for the NCLEX.

saraCOS · Mar 5, 2014

Cowboy medic is correct. There is such a thing as a Rn to medic bridge program, but I'm unsure who offers them. The program would still have to abide by the ntsha minimum standard for length of contact hours, (about 1000) as well as a minimum of 500 hours of internship in the ED and in the field. After that, you may sit for the NRP exam. That having been said, its a lot of fun, but certainly doesn't pay as well as nursing.

Guest219794 · Mar 5, 2014

You might be surprised at how this seemingly innocuous question winds people up around here:

https://allnurses.com/flight-nursing-surface/rn-paramedic-bridge-17852.html

The route that really seems to freak some people out is this short program:

https://ems.creighton.edu/training-certification/paramedic-certification-healthcare-providers-0

That is the program I would do, if I decide to go that way.

Though some question the validity of a program like this, I feel it appropriate for some. I think my background is well suited for this type of course, and on completion, I would, at minimum, have the skills and competency of an ENTRY LEVEL paramedic on par with those who had taken a more traditional route.

I have ridden as a basic EMT, and maintain my license.
former full time, current volunteer and instructor ski patrol in a high volume, high acuity mountain.
Member of back country rescue team.
8 yrs ER, 2 years ICU.
BCLS, ACLS, PALS, TNCC, CCRN.

If I do go this route, I will practice locally, where I know most of the medics. They know me to be competent, and I doubt they will scoff at my certificate. And, again, critical to understand that despite any other experience, a new medic is a new medic.

zmansc, ASN, RN · Mar 5, 2014

I'm fairly sure eastern new mexico university was advertising a program like this recently.

KCTRN · Mar 5, 2014

Thanks for all the information. I will definitely look into all the above information posted. I know the pay might not be there but I think I would look into going into the FD and becoming a ff paramedic and doing RN prn on days off it at all possible. Even if the pays not there, just feel like it would be a cool experience on both sides of the doors

saraCOS · Mar 6, 2014

I think hherrn is right, there is a way to keep a foot in both worlds. I intend to, and perhaps someday we can all put this silly RN vs. Paramedic thing to bed. As someone going the other direction, I have an open mind, as I know that even with all of my medical experience, I have no idea how to be a nurse yet.

OP be forewarned though, EMS providers are intentionally instilled with a degree of arrogance. It's not personal, and it's not a bad thing in a way. It is what allows us to stand alone in a field and make rapid decisions and own the consequences. You can't function if you're afraid to decide, and you cant decide if you are not confident. Your preceptors are going to give you flak about jumping the fence, just prove them wrong.

akulahawkRN, ADN, RN, EMT-P · Mar 6, 2014

The process depends upon which state you live in. If you're referring to Los Angeles County, the EMS Agency there has a specific policy about that. Generally you'll have to show that your education/training as an RN meets DOT requirements. Since there's a lot of stuff that isn't covered, you'll have that covered (usually) if you take an EMT course and a Paramedic refresher. You'll probably also need to take the following cert courses: ACLS, PALS, and either ITLS or PHTLS. With all that done, you'll probably be OK'd to take the NREMT-P exam and skills test. Once you've passed that, you'll have to do a 480 hour field internship where you'll have to also get 40 "ALS" contacts.

It's doable... but it's not a quick/automatic process.

And one of the above posters is 100% correct about Paramedics having an instilled "arrogance." They go over things again and again and again to the point where they're very confident in what they're doing. They do their best to do what they think is best for the patient, their protocols often don't allow for flexibility, and they have to make their decisions fast. While the "Golden Hour" isn't exactly an hour, the concept behind it remains: get the patient to the hospital with minimum delay so that the patient can be more thoroughly evaluated in a well-lit environment with much resources.

zmansc, ASN, RN · Mar 6, 2014

Thanks for all the information. I will definitely look into all the above information posted. I know the pay might not be there but I think I would look into going into the FD and becoming a ff paramedic and doing RN prn on days off it at all possible. Even if the pays not there, just feel like it would be a cool experience on both sides of the doors

Pay is not everything. I made way more in my previous occupation, but I'm way happier as an RN in a severely underpaying community hospital ER helping my community everyday. If you like the paramedic role more than the RN role, than I say go for it and don't look back. If you like both roles, then do both. BTW, a wise person once told me, "It's not how much you make, it's how much you spend." I've found that to be true time and time again.

Editorial Team / Moderator · Mar 14, 2014

I was a paramedic first (still am), then became an RN. It's kind of apples and oranges, but EMS will always be my first love. The Virginia community college where I did my paramedic used to offer a one-semester RN-paramedic bridge, but I don't think it was very successful. I did my national registry test with an RN who was bridging to paramedic, and she was a nervous wreck! It's a lot to absorb in one semester, just from the operational standpoint (extrication, HAZMAT, procedures, etc.).

mcknis · Mar 16, 2014

To the OP, I had the same curiosities, and still do. This is the reply directly from the NREMT...

“RN CHALLENGE CHECKLIST” for EMT-Paramedic

NREMT entry requirements for Registered Nurses challenging the EMT-Paramedic Training

Letter of Approval

Submit a letter from the state EMS ofñce where the applicant works or is to work. The letter

should indicate the state’s support ofthe applicant taking the examination.

EMS Education Approval

Provide a certificate/letter of equivalency indicating successful completion of the current

National EMS Education Standards.

The certificate/letter of equivalency must be validated by an educational program that is

affiliated with a CAAHEP accredited paramedic educational program and is currently state

Provide official evidence of current and valid registered nursing credential.

Provide official evidence of a current EMT (Basic) or AEMT (Intermediate) certification issued

by the state or National Registry.

Cognitive Examinations

Must be delivered at Pearson Vue Professional Centers or Pearson Vue Select Centers

Psychomotor Examinations

A11 psychomotor examinations at the AEMT (Intermediate) and Paramedic levels must be

administered by a National Registry Representative, appointed by the NREMT.

Entry-Requirements

All applicants must meet current NREMT entry requirements.