RN to Paramedic Bridge Course

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I'm wondering if any of you might know of a RN to Paramedic bridge course. I'd like to get my certification as a Paramedic, but don't want to have to through a whole year of school to do it! Let me know if you can help!

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Specializes in Nurse Anesthetist.

Why would you give up being a nurse to become a low paid parametic? In Los Angeles, there is no reason to do such a thing. Besides, here, most parametics are firemen.....

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I've wondered about this myself, for the purposes of volunteering for the local rescue squad (that already has paramedics).

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Our flight program requires all transport nurses to get EMT-P cert. In Ohio there is a bridge course from RN to Medic, the class was approx 2 months long.

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Specializes in Emergency Room/corrections.

In PA you can get what is called a "Pre-hospital RN" certification trought the PA board of EMS. Try contacting your states board of EMS and ask them.

The PH-Rn can work prehospital just like the paramedic and most do. On their days off they can pick up shifts running with an ambulance and make a little cash out of the er.

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Check to see if your can "challenge" your state's Paramedic boards. I think it depends on what Paramedics can do in your state ie..intubations etc......

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Crieghton University in Neb. has had a INTENSIVE six(or 8)-week program in the past, you may check with them. I believe it is a very worthwhile combination. The flight program I work for(Portneuf LifeFlight, Pocatello, ID.) encourages all RN's to be cross-trained as paramedics. It makes staffing easier and a stronger program. I've done it backwards. I have been a paramedic for 17 years and just finished the RN program. I also teach in a community college and we are researching the idea of a RN to Paramedic bridge program.

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Creighton's RN to EMT-P bridge course is two weeks in duration and they offer two classes one in May and one in July. They require your EMT-B and other prereqs which are shown on their web page. If you do not have your EMT-B no worries they offer a 5 day Nurse to EMT-B bridge course a couple times a year as well. As a Creighton BSN alumni and having attended their EMT-B course I must say you will have a difficult time finding a more professional group of individuals who are more than willing to go the extra mile to help you learn. I hope this helpshttp://ems.creighton.edu/courses.htm

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also...regarding creighton --they were extremely helpful over the phone. They actually called me back and sent me information. (in this day and age!!)

It is not terribly expensive either. Good luck.

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sad to see that a registered nurse can't spell...

it's PARAMEDIC...with a D not a T.

on that note, some of us diehard paramedics-turned-RNs still work in the field for one reason or another. i do it for extra money, to maintain my medical command so i can fly someday soon, and for the sheer FUN of being out in the world instead of stuck in the ED.

i also like to volunteer with my fire department when i'm home and available. it's a great way to give back to your community. there doesn't necessarily have to be a whopping monetary reward for ALL our behaviour. if that were true i'd be going to anesthesia school instead of shooting for our helicopter program.

just my 2 pennies...worth just that, i'm sure

ange:devil:

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Specializes in Cath Lab, OR, CPHN/SN, ER.

IN regards to challenging, there is going to be some clinical time involved. Being a medic involves inserting ET tubes, and plenty of other advanced techinques that I know I'm not learning in nursing school. It was frustrating to me, when I took my EMT-I course what I was allowed to do as an EMT, but will not be able to do as an RN. I think the amount of responsiblity a medic has is enormous (I cannot spell today-forgive me) and they do no get the recognition they deserve. And for whoever said "they're only firemen"...Would you go into a burning house to save someone? These people are overworked and underpaid! I live in a rural community, where half the people are firemen and emt's. It's something they truely enjoy, and would love to make a career out of it, but cannot, b/c of the lack of opportunities. Alright...I'm done venting! -A

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For those who have gone through Creighton University's accelerated RN to Paramedic course, what is your take on the intensive 2 week course?

I am considering enrolling into the program, but I have some concerns...

1) Approx how many hours of field experience (ambulance time)?

2) The number of patient contacts? and whether it is a suburban vs. urban experience?

3) Finally, do you feel confident in using the knowledge/skills you obtained in those 2 weeks to get you well-prepared in paramedicine?

Your thoughts much appreciated. Comments from others who have gone through similar tracks at other institutions are welcomed too. Thanks.

BC:roll

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