RN to Paramedic Bridge Course

Dr. Tammy, FNP/GNP-C · Feb 2, 2009

distance education rocks - work smart - not hard.
adn, regents college, distance ed - class of 1994
bsn, indiana state university, distance ed - class of 2007
msn-fnp, univ. of southern indiana, distance ed - class of 2009
i have heard the same thing about about distance learning programs. i personally disagree, but i have heard nurses deride those who recieved their degree online, or in a distance learning program. since i have never really looked at the curriculuum or requirements, i am more inclined to judge somebody on their knowledge and abilities.
given your training, you may have encountered this prejudice.
hherrn

i'm not sure i understand your point. are you comparing differences in values and oppinions between traditional education and distance education in the form of nursing education to differences between legitimate prehospital care paramedic training programs to a program that churns rn's into paramedics in a few days? if so, to suggest you are comparing apples to oranges would be kind.

Guest219794 · Feb 3, 2009

i'm not sure i understand your point. are you comparing differences in values and oppinions between traditional education and distance education in the form of nursing education to differences between legitimate prehospital care paramedic training programs to a program that churns rn's into paramedics in a few days? if so, to suggest you are comparing apples to oranges would be kind.

apples are a crunchy fruit, with an edible skin, grown primarily in cooler climates.

oranges are a juicy fruit, with an inedible skin, grown primarily in warmer climates.

although different, they both fit into the category of fruit, and have a number of similarities. i have no problem comparing them.

my point in the other comparison was not that the two endeavors are identical. they are as different as apples and oranges. they also have some similarities in that both have detractors. and, in both cases people who have participated in the programs have had positive things to say.

i do know that distance learning has had some pretty good results. i have personally benefitted from distance learning. what i don't know is whether or not creighton, or any similar program, is in fact, churning out unqualified, incompetent medics.

i think i have read all the posts in this long thread, and don't recall any personal negative experiences.

hherrn

fwiw, the national association of ems educators seems to think the director of this program does a good job- they gave him an award.

ritarunningfeet · Feb 4, 2009

The director and all of the instructors do an awsome job. I posted in this thread a long time ago before I took the class trying to get some information, but it has gone so far off the question and become somewhat of a spitting match. I just would like to say that the course is a very very well run course. I took it because of wanting to be a flight nurse, found it very well worth it and enjoy working the road a lot as a paramedic so I have the experiance and not just the card with my name on it that says I am a paramedic.

Dr. Tammy, FNP/GNP-C · Feb 4, 2009

The director and all of the instructors do an awsome job. I posted in this thread a long time ago before I took the class trying to get some information, but it has gone so far off the question and become somewhat of a spitting match. I just would like to say that the course is a very very well run course. I took it because of wanting to be a flight nurse, found it very well worth it and enjoy working the road a lot as a paramedic so I have the experiance and not just the card with my name on it that says I am a paramedic.

I'm sure its a great and wonderfully profitable program with the nature and integrity of the paramedic profession first and foremost in the forefront of the proprietors minds.

I'm still trying, however, to find a similar deal where my paramedic friends can get their RN degree in a few days, since paramedicine and nursing are essentially the same thing.

Guy84RN · Jun 9, 2009

RN's get paid more because of more education.

GilaRRT · Jun 9, 2009

RN's get paid more because of more education.

I am afraid not. Many paramedic programs require the same requisite courses as their nursing counterparts. It is not uncommon to find A&P, biology, English, math, and psychology requirements for the AD PM programs. While shake and bake 1000 hour wonder mills exist, there is allot of pressure to mandate AD level education.

In fact, the "technician" has been removed from the paramedic title with the new national SOP changes. It is also not unheard of to have paramedics with more clinical hours under their belt than their RN counterparts. The education is different for a RN; however, I would not say "more."

Guy84RN · Jun 9, 2009

ok obviously your not referring to a BSN, otherwise my statement will stand correct.

GilaRRT · Jun 9, 2009

You did not identify the BSN level of education. I compared roughly equal levels of education. However, you are still incorrect as the typical ADN will make significantly more than a PM with an equal level of education.

getoverit, BSN, RN, EMT-P · Jun 10, 2009

You did not identify the BSN level of education. I compared roughly equal levels of education. However, you are still incorrect as the typical ADN will make significantly more than a PM with an equal level of education.

In fact, an ADN will make significantly more than a paramedic with a Bachelor's degree in emergency medicine. In my area, a brand new RN with an associate's degree on their first day at work will make $8-10/hr than a paramedic with an bachelor's degree and 20+ years of experience.

talk about inequality....

GilaRRT · Jun 10, 2009

In fact, an ADN will make significantly more than a paramedic with a Bachelor's degree in emergency medicine. In my area, a brand new RN with an associate's degree on their first day at work will make $8-10/hr than a paramedic with an bachelor's degree and 20+ years of experience.
talk about inequality....

Preaching to the choir. I work with an experienced PM who has his AAS in EMS and a BS, yet he makes six dollars an hour less than an entry level ADN. This is a rather widespread trend.

woo9115 · Jun 12, 2009

you'll have to take the EMT course in your state.... After passin the EMT cert; then you can apply for the paramedic program..... That is the process; as for a bridge; each state may have their own policies; call the state EMS in your state and ask... They may want to see you qualifications... Since Paramedic and RN are different practices.... I'm doing the Paramedic to RN and I have to take all nursing classes but my clinical is not a lot; just enough to make sure I cover all nursing skills; that is the Paramedic to RN (less clinical).... RN to Paramedic may be the same depending on your background in nursing..... Good luck.....

Qwiigley, BSN, MSN, DNP, RN, CRNA · Jun 14, 2009

It depends what kind of nursing you are comparing a paramedic to. Some types of nursing is very similar, some nothing like a paramedic. A nurse can do many more thing that a paramedic can not by definition, not necessarily out of school education/clinicals. But their license permits additional instruction after licensing to work towards specific work.

For example, a new grad nurse is eligible to learn how to scrub in the operating room (most institutions make them go to further training before doing so); a paramedic can not.

A nurse can become further trained to practice in a level one pediatric trauma ICU, a paramedic can not.

A nurse just out of school can not intubate a patient (in most states) but may be trained additionally to do so. (Intubation is not difficult, my anesthesia instructor said a monkey can do the task (intubation), it takes critical thinking to perform a good anesthetic).

We are comparing apples to oranges.