Alright, so I'm an RN currently getting my MSN, working towards becoming an FNP, and I'm seriously thinking about shelling out at least $700 (ok, ok, more like at least $1000, let's be honest) for a wilderness first responder course and I'm wondering if it's worth it professionally. Does the certification make a difference in the grand scheme of things? I know a first responder is different than an RN and I'm assuming it's different from an MSN as well, but I'm not sure how that could affect my decision. Right now I'm living in the urban jungle while I go to school, but as soon as I graduate I'm heading back home to the mountains, where it's sort of rural and I hope to spend a large amount of my time there out of doors, working in rural health in some capacity, so would being first responder certified be a boon, professionally speaking? Would the certification even be necessary after graduation or would it be superfluous? I think I would personally enjoy taking the course, but as a student I just don't have the freedom to spend that kind of money for something that won't benefit me professionally (sad face) even if it is something I'm genuinely interested in. What do you all think?
i took the solo (google them-- they're awesome) wfa course and brought it to my area six or seven times. it's 16 hours, one weekend, and if you want to go on for the wfr there are three more weekends, and the wfa counts as your biennial recert.
i think anybody could benefit from them, but especially nurses. matter of fact, the first time i really used it was in my own back yard, after observing a workman fall off my roof onto some bricks. went right into assessment mode, insulate from ground (it was winter), get one of the other guys to call 911 and another to go down to the street to point them in the right direction... it was cool.
i also love the emphasis on "it's your victim's fault he got hurt, so you use his gear first," for splinting, wraps, and other things. it's a great way to learn how to assess the scene, use what you have, and give a good report (though most of us don't have a problem c that).
Thanks for all the responses! WFA, WFR, all that, it's all something I am very interested in and something that I think would be useful for me for my own personal knowledge for sure (especially since nursing school has changed so much in what they teach AND I am a new nurse-s double whammy, so to speak) But the biggest issue for me is the cost and being able to swing it financially, what with me being in school full-time and not working more than a little here and there.
I can't recall who posted it, but someone here mentioned SOLO's WFA course and how that can be a jumping off point so to speak, and that I could continue on beyond that initial course for 3 additional weekends to become qualified as a WFR. How does this work? I've seen the SOLO WFA courses and have actually nearly signed up for one in my neck of the woods, but I guess I haven't put it together that I could extend from that into WFR. Is this common? Has anyone done this? Any advice?
i can't recall who posted it, but someone here mentioned solo's wfa course and how that can be a jumping off point so to speak, and that i could continue on beyond that initial course for 3 additional weekends to become qualified as a wfr. how does this work? i've seen the solo wfa courses and have actually nearly signed up for one in my neck of the woods, but i guess i haven't put it together that i could extend from that into wfr. is this common? has anyone done this? any advice?
that was me. go to the solo website, get their phone number, and call them. they are a great bunch and will answer all your questions.
I know this is an old topic, but I wanted to put in a plug for WMI wilderness first responder course. It's 10 days, half-scenario based teaching, and was one of the things that really pushed me over the edge in terms of deciding to go back to school to switch from MSW to NP training.
There is also a WUMP course, called Wilderness Upgrade for Medical Professionals.
The WFR was on my "life to do" list for several years before I could make the time and money available to do it. However, it has been, hands down, the best training in ANYTHING I have ever taken on ANY topic.
FlyingScot, RN
2,016 Posts
I know...shocking isn't it?!!!!!