Perfect. Will do that. Thank you for the insight. I see that you're an ICU RN. Quick question before you sign off, how hard would it be to make the ladder moves: EMT-B --> Paramedic --> RN --> ER/Trauma/ICU/CC Nurse? And would it be worth it? I know there are threads on here about it already... but since I have an audience...
It's easily doable, but personally I would suggest changing it up a bit to the following:
EMT-B -> RN -> ER/TRAUMA/ICU/CC RN -> Paramedic.
The order may sound strange, but that is the way I did it (full disclosure, RN is still my full time job. Currently, only working in EMS as a medic per-diem).
Putting yourself through nursing school while working as a paramedic is doable, but unfortunately financially may be difficult. Get your EMT, then start applying to nursing schools (Bachelors degree programs) if that is what you want to do. Focus on nursing, with EMT on the side. After you get your RN, look at Nurse Residency programs in your area. Also try applying to in-hospital RN positions that will hire new-grads. You might not get the exact position you want, but get some experience and then apply to a critical care area if you don't.
If you're lucky, you'll get hired directly into a critical care area (my ICU just hired two new-grad RNs for the Nurse Residency program straight into the ICU at a Level 1 trauma center, so it is possible). Get some experience there, then if you still want to, put yourself through paramedic school (or challenge the exam if you're able to in your state. But that is a totally different discussion entirely). Paramedic school will be a walk in the park with in-hospital critical care experience. It will also make you a much better, more educated medic; you'll be able to see the whole picture, know who is truly sick, and understand more than just the initial treatment and stabilization of a patient.
Once you have both RN and paramedic, decide how you want to divide your time. Personally, I would spend more time in the hospital as an RN, but work part-time or per-diem as a medic. You'll make more, and you'll be in contact with sicker patients more often, helping you develop as a clinician. You'll also be around MDs/DOs, other RNs, RTs, and others, and you'll learn a ton.
Long-story short, get your RN first then go from there. More job opportunities, more in-depth knowledge, and it will help you if you do decide to do your medic. If you want to do flight nursing, RN/Medic combo is more desirable than just one or the other.
I hope this helps? If you have any other questions, feel free to ask them here or shoot me a PM. Best of luck!
