Hello from Miami Florida

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trent1a1

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I was searching Google looking for a chat room and found this wonderful forum so I decided to join in the fun. I am also hoping to get some support as I transition from my EMT-B (which I just got last Monday) to my EMT-P. My name is Richard and I have been an ER nurse for over 20 years. I have had diversified experiences including Trauma Nursing,Management (which really isn't for me since I love patient care) and respiratory nursing. I recently obtained my MBA in Healthcare Administration specializing in Disaster Managment and just obtained my EMT-B. My plan is to get my EMT-P in the next 30 days along with my CEN, CCRN, and CFRN so that I can be a flight nurse/paramedic. In Florida, it is mandatory that one go to the fire academy to join the paramedics so I assume that is also in my future within the next year. It is also possible that I will leave Florida so I don't have to join the FD but I do want to try since my heart is really in to getting on to one of the helicopter trauma services. My problem is that I will be turning 48 this year and that I may not be able to compete against all of the younger enrollees. I was told not to worry since my background will probably help me which I hope is true. Most of the paramedics I have talked to wonder why I am going the route of EMT-B and EMT-P. From what I have learned, the average RN has absolutely no prehospital training. In addition, most RNS can not intubate, insert EJ's, place patients on backboards, and have the skills necessary to help a patient in the event of a emergency. In addition, going back to get my Emt -b helped me to review basic anatomy and physiology which has helped me prepare for my CEN. In addition, I have learned about disaster management, weapons of mass destruction, toxic substances, etc. which has helped me boost my knowledge. I have also been asked why I want to the leave the high paying RN employment opportunities. To tell you the truth, I want some of the independence provided to paramedics. I am tired of nurses who don't know what the hell they are doing. Granted I may see this on the outside, but from my ambulance rides I have noted the benefits of medic commaradeire which is lacking in the RN field. I have been encouraged by my medic aquaintences which is a blessing. I am hoping that I will find the same level of support here as well. Yes, I am a new EMT yet I am willing to learn from you guys that have been in the field and can probably mess up my psyche which I am looking forward to in the future. I am amazed by your capabilities and am dissapointed that more RNS don't respect your knowledge. Working with you has enabled me to promote the EMTs and the Paramdeics and demand a level of respect from my ER colleagues for the hard working EMS crews. Having been through the program, most RNs know that I have the knowledge to demand respect for all EMS personnel. I am lloking forward to joining you ranks in the future. I tell my aquaintences that every time an ambulace comes in, I want to go with them! I am looking forward to meeting some of you in the future through our discussions.
 
Welcome to the forum.
 
Don't let your age discourage you or hold you back. I would take experience over age anytime, especially in the emergency services field. :)
 
Welcome! And I applaud your passion! Don't look at it as competing for the training and testing is all about passing. If you go into with the same drive you expressed in your post, I see no reason you can't achieve your goals.

Good luck!!
 
Need a more diverse community.
 
Welcome trent1a1,

I find it hard to believe that you have not explored the many opportunities for RNs in Miami and surrounding areas with the various types of CCT including the helicopters. The expanded scope of practice these RNs have are very rewarding and they continue to go forward advancing their Critical Care Medicine knowledge. While EMT-P offers a different perspecitive, its focus is on skills which almost all of them can be accomplished as an RN. The exception being the extrication skills. Most RNs associated with transport teams in Florida challenge the EMT-P after the EMT-B because the companies/hospitals they get employment with build upon their Critical skills and the training actually can be many, many more hours than the typical Florida Medic Mill education. Their training will also be more closely supervised and QA with be strict.
 
Welcome to the tribe!! :):):)
 
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