RN to paramedic?

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Just seeing if anyone had any advice about how to do this and if I could bi-pass the traditional rout? I would not be changing careers. I want to volunteer for our local fire/ems. I am going to talk with the department on Monday and I searched a few old threads here but I am still a bit confused. Any advice or resources to check out would be appreciated.

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

Check your local community colleges, especially those that have both paramedic and RN programs -- those seem to be the ones with the bridge programs. I was a paramedic before I was an RN, and EMS will always be my first love. :) Good luck!

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Specializes in cardiac stepdown, pre-hospital.

Also, I recommend looking at your states OEMS website. Every state is different and the requirements to gain your paramedic/emt are different. I'm currently in the process of moving a EMT cert across states and then upgrade it to a paramedic with my RN and I've had to call OEMS quite a few times since this state is so different from my own.

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Specializes in Emergency Department.

Don't forget to check with your State or County EMS agency. They may have a challenge procedure in place for you. It could very well be that you have to take a Paramedic refresher, or an EMT-B class (this can vary somewhat), take the NREMT-P exam, take ACLS, PALS, PHTLS or ITLS, and possibly even complete a traditional field internship... That's going to be the tough part.

It's certainly possible, but some steps along the way could make for a bumpy ride...

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Specializes in Urgent Care NP, Emergency Nursing, Camp Nursing.

I would suggest taking an EMT-B program first, mostly 'cos there are a bunch of skills (backboarding, traction splints, etc) that simply aren't taught to nurses. After that, contact the relevant state agency for EMS and see what their procedures are.

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In New Jersey if you have an RN you can challenge the EMT-B test (written and clinical) but you need a bridge program for paramedic.

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

The community college where I did my paramedic program had RNs take EMT-B, and if they passed that there was a one-semester bridge to make them eligible for paramedic (NREMT-P) testing. That was in Virginia. I don't think the program lasted long, though. Not sure if it was lack of interest, or success, or both.

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Specializes in ER, IICU, PCU, PACU, EMS.

As others have stated, it depends on your state's EMS requirements.

We have an ER doctor presently going through the paramedic program. The Doc had to get the EMT-B, attend the bridge program, and then do the ride outs. The Dr is currently preparing for the national registry test.

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Specializes in ER, ICU.

Your desire for a bypass is a little concerning. Working as a paramedic is not just like nursing on-the-go. There is a huge amount of operational knowledge and experience that you need to function and be safe. Your medical knowledge would be a huge benefit, but the paramedic level of knowledge for trauma far surpasses even ER nursing knowledge (I'm TNCC certified). This requires a serious commitment to learn a whole new craft in a dangerous and dynamic environment. Good luck.

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Your desire for a bypass is a little concerning. Working as a paramedic is not just like nursing on-the-go. There is a huge amount of operational knowledge and experience that you need to function and be safe. Your medical knowledge would be a huge benefit, but the paramedic level of knowledge for trauma far surpasses even ER nursing knowledge (I'm TNCC certified). This requires a serious commitment to learn a whole new craft in a dangerous and dynamic environment. Good luck.

I don't want to bypass anything that might be important that is for sure. I just don't want to waste any time re-learning how to do blood pressures:)

I too am TNCC certified have my ACLS and PALS but I only have these because I have kept up with them on my own time, own dime not because I have been working in acute care. I would be happy to start as an EMT if that is where I need to start.

I want to be sure I am using my time as effectively as possible too because...well.....this will all be volunteer work and I already work full time and have 3 kids and a husband and want to spend time with them too lol.

Thank you all for the advice and the links! Keep 'em coming if you have anymore!

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.
I would be happy to start as an EMT if that is where I need to start.

Solid BLS (basic life support) is always the foundation of any ALS (advanced life support). That is the truth, as well as this: behind every EMT-P is a good EMT-B! :D

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Solid BLS (basic life support) is always the foundation of any ALS (advanced life support). That is the truth, as well as this: behind every EMT-P is a good EMT-B! :D

See this is why I am glad I asked before I went and talked with the local volunteer fire department tomorrow....

I had to google and find out what an EMT-B and a EMT-P are (is?) lol

The things you don't know....

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