RN Who Wants To Become A Paramedic???

OKNurse2be · May 23, 2012

Someone please correct me if I am wrong, but if an RN also is a paramedic, that opens up the door to the lucrative world of Flight Nursing ( the most critical pts ). I know that is one of the reasons my paramedic sister in law is going for nursing even though she has little to no interest in bedside care. Just a thought anyway. I don't think it's a bad choice. I say go for it and see where it leads!! Good Luck!

All4NursingRN · May 23, 2012

Thanks, yes I know about flight nursing. The thing is I live in a huge city, no flight nursing here, sigh. Even still I think I'd be a wee bit scared to go up in the chopper everyday.

OKNurse2be · May 23, 2012

I can understand that. I still think if being a paramedic is something that you might want to do, then you should go for it. My aforementioned sister in law is also an adrenaline junkie and she loves being a paramedic. She has told me a few stories of rolling up to car accidents and taking care of people who are very critical and it's fascinating.

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN · May 23, 2012

You are safer in that helicopter and have greater odds of surviving in a crash that commercial flight. These helicopter pilots are VERY experienced and are experts in their field. I can't get on commercial aircraft without serious assistance of adult beverages and a prescription or two. But I would go anywhere with the pilots who I flew with.They could set that puppy on a dime in a snowstorm.

You need to get your foot in the door at a level one Trauma Centerand start looking intoflight nurse "programs"like the one at Case.

http://flightnurse.case.edu/ Many are requiring a Masters level now. You might be better off going the medic route then get into flight as a medic and your nursing will help.But you need tons of experience in trauma. ICU expereince helps. I LOVED trauma flight, it was one of the best jobs I ever had. I will say though, it is a younger person's job.

You live in a huge city and there is no flight medical network? I find that very odd in today's world. There has to be someone with in an hour flight. Google it.

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN · May 23, 2012

oops.....double posted..

FlyingScot, RN · May 23, 2012

Someone please correct me if I am wrong, but if an RN also is a paramedic, that opens up the door to the lucrative world of Flight Nursing ( the most critical pts ). [/quote
Hee, hee you said "lucrative". That is the last word I'd use to describe being a flight nurse.
There are so few positions available and so many nurses want them that the pay is actually not that great. In fact, in many places it is cr@#p. Seriously. At my last job (with 22 years of experience) I was making $26/hr.
Also, since I'm being all realistic here the patients you transport aren't always the sickest of the sick (though some are). The vast majority are stable, even boring. Don't get me wrong, it was a great job but there is a lot of hype surrounding being a flight nurse that simply isn't true.
And, Esme, I'm going to have to very respectfully disagree with you. Flight nursing is one of the most dangerous professions out there. Flying in a helicopter is not safe at all. Especially single pilot, single engine aircraft. Many commercial companies are too worried about the bottom line to install the appropriate, and expensive, safety equipment. Take a look at the 2008 statistics. It was a horrible year and also the year I decided I didn't want to be a statistic. I miss it sometimes (like every time one of my buddies lands on the roof) but truthfully I am glad I'm grounded and safe with normal hours and waaaaay better pay. You were spot on about the age thing. There comes a time in your life when that boost of adrenaline just makes you nauseated and gives you a headache! :)

cally527, RN · May 23, 2012

If it will make you happy, then you should do it! Who cares if others think you are going backwards, what you want is what counts. I am not sure what it can do for your nursing career (other than flight nursing which you do not seem interested in. I live in the Boston area and we have at least 1 MedEvac company but I had to really search to find it, so I am sure that there is one in the city you reside in, especially if there are level 1 trauma centers, it is just not well known. ) but I do not see how it could hurt your career.

After many years of doing what others thought I should do, I have decided to go back to school for Nursing which is something that I have always been interested in. From my personal experience, worrying about what others think will only make you unhappy in the long run. You want to be a paramedic and possibly be a 1st responder? Do it! If you like the adrenaline rush of dealing with trauma patients at the scene of an accident or shooting, then do it!

Good luck and enjoy!!!

jme2018, LPN, EMT-P · May 23, 2012

I know many may think who goes backwards?

Why would you assume that others would be thinking "who goes backwards?" If that's what YOU think, you might want to reconsider. I've been a Paramedic for 8 years, and trust me, Paramedics have a whole lot of responsibilities in the healthcare world. The only reason I'm going back to school for my RN is because Paramedics don't get paid worth a crap. It's a great job, and I plan to continue to work as a Paramedic even after I'm an RN (ER, of course); however, the two careers will complement each other well.

You don't have to be an RN to fly; look up flight medic (Paramedic with tons of extra critical care training). By the way, you'll have to become certified as an EMT first, then Paramedic.

Creamsoda, ASN, RN · May 23, 2012

How about flight nursing? Your already a nurse so I would think it would be easier to stick with that and still be just as prestegious. I think one day I would love to do that kind of thing but I dont feel confident enough yet. Maybe in 10 years!

Seas · May 23, 2012

It's not odd to me. I am a RN who would love to be an OB tech. For my hospital, I am "overqualified". Many times I wished I was a PCA, so I could apply for it!

PetsToPeople · May 24, 2012

You will love it, there is so much more autonomy than with floor nursing. It's more exciting than the ER and the comradery is way better among your co-workers.