Non-trafitional Jobs

[MagicTyler]

Today I was offered a very non-traditional job as a paramedic. The job is overseeing procedures in a doctors office, performing conscious sedation, and managing pre op and post op LPNs. I'm very excited, I'm taking an RNs position, and am a little nervous about living up to the standards they expect, but I know I can do it. Is this becoming the norm? Paramedics taking RN positions?

 

[troymclure]

sounds interesting, a big step up in pay to match the responsibilities?

the casinos here have many emt's working security/hospitality.

the blood banks here also like emt-b's.

 

[Summit]

There is nothing wrong with a nontraditional job... but...

I'd be very nervous about that. Overseeing LPNs is an RN role. Conscious sedation for procedures + pre/post procedure care is also an RN role. It sounds like the doctor is trying to save a few bucks by not paying an RN and suckering a medic who will do it for less. I'd be worried about the legality. It might be legal, might not be... I'd be very worried about the liability.

 

[chaz90]

There is nothing wrong with a nontraditional job... but...

I'd be very nervous about that. Overseeing LPNs is an RN role. Conscious sedation for procedures + pre/post procedure care is also an RN role. It sounds like the doctor is trying to save a few bucks by not paying an RN and suckering a medic who will do it for less. I'd be worried about the legality. It might be legal, might not be... I'd be very worried about the liability.

I'm inclined to agree with Summit here. Non traditional jobs are one thing, but this role really doesn't sound like it's suited for a medic. I think conscious sedation can be appropriately managed by a paramedic, but the rest of the job really isn't in line with our training at all. RN and Paramedic aren't meant to be the same, and this non-acute clinic setting is more in line with an RN.

 

[Carlos Danger]

I don't know the regs in the state you are in, but I would not be surprised if the LPN's are violating their state nurse practice act by taking direction from a paramedic.

What kind of procedures do they do at this clinic?

What type of training do you have in conscious sedation and pre- and post- op care?

Sounds quite fishy. I'd tread carefully.

 

[Pavehawk]

Not sure about AZ law, but here in FL many hospitals use paramedics in non-traditional roles, but mostly in radiology, cath lab, and stress testing. FL law allows the medcial director to determine the scope of practice vis a vis drugs etc. I would check your state laws regarding paramedic practice and then make a decision.

 

[VFlutter]

I agree with everyone else, sounds fishy. In most, if not all, states that situation you described would violate the LPN practice act.

 

[milehimedic]

One of the major systems in the Colorado has started using Paramedics in the ED working in their full scope, plus some nursing responsibilities that they're trained in. It's been going about 3 months now and seems to be pretty successful so far. Anyone else seen this? They're essentially acting as RNs.

Sounds like a good opportunity. Maybe contact your state health board and see if this is acceptable/common.

 

[chaz90]

One of the major systems in the Colorado has started using Paramedics in the ED working in their full scope, plus some nursing responsibilities that they're trained in. It's been going about 3 months now and seems to be pretty successful so far. Anyone else seen this? They're essentially acting as RNs.

Sounds like a good opportunity. Maybe contact your state health board and see if this is acceptable/common.

I know the hospital system you're talking about. If it's the same as what they were planning when I left, they're employing medics as expanded scope techs but still using RNs as well. The difference is that the ED is an environment far more in line with paramedic training than an outpatient surgery center, and the medic isn't supervising LPNs in performance of their nursing duties.

 

[Medic Tim]

One of the major systems in the Colorado has started using Paramedics in the ED working in their full scope, plus some nursing responsibilities that they're trained in. It's been going about 3 months now and seems to be pretty successful so far. Anyone else seen this? They're essentially acting as RNs.

Sounds like a good opportunity. Maybe contact your state health board and see if this is acceptable/common.

This kind of thing is common in parts of Canada. BLS medics will run triage while ALS medics are in the ERor ICU. The medics run all codes and take pts along with the nurses. They do suturing an casting as well as practicing to their full scopes.

 

[milehimedic]

The difference is that the ED is an environment far more in line with paramedic training than an outpatient surgery center, and the medic isn't supervising LPNs in performance of their nursing duties.

Good point. I'm anxious to see how Paramedics are employed outside the prehospital setting in the coming years.

 

[Summit]

Using paramedics as ER techs with a wider scope than they give the EMT ER techs makes great sense! However, it doesn't mean they are the same as RNs or replacing RNs.

That doesn't mean that a US medic legally or logically should be supervising LPNs (who have very similar educational standards) or functioning so far outside the realm of their education.

Some physicians in outpatient settings are known to stretch the limits quite a bit with using certified personell outside their scope, like using EMTs as a dual role clinical assistant and X-ray tech with only OJT from a limited scope X-ray tech or EMT. Liability all around! Anything to save a buck...

For reference, Canadian ACPs have degrees (not associates) and Canadian BLS medics have more education that most US Paramedics.

 

[Handsome Robb]

Our trauma center only has a few techs that aren't paramedics and they don't hire non-medic techs anymore from what I'm told.

 

[Medic Tim]

For reference, Canadian ACPs have degrees (not associates) and Canadian BLS medics have more education that most US Paramedics.

A degree is not a requirement though there are many with one. And it usually takes at least 3 years of full time study to be an ACP