RN attending paramedic school and BSN, good idea?

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LDLRN

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Hello everyone. I finished RN school several months ago and have not been able to find employment due to being a "new grad." I decided to go back to school and get my BSN (mostly online) and possibly go to paramedic school at the same time. At first I was looking at accelerated paramedic programs, specifically one being 12 weeks long, but decided on a full year program to cement my foundation in health care. I have about 4 years prior experience as an EMT-B working on an ALS ambulance and I completed nursing school in the top of my class.
I would like to do well in each program and would not want to get in over my head. I will also note that the BSN program is only one class every 8 weeks.
How hard is paramedic school with above adequate experience as an EMT and being a RN? How much time would I have to accomodate to paramedic school? Should this really be done? Thank you for your time.
 
BSN school is not going to be as hard as your ADN. You should be fine as long as you are organized enough not to fall behind in either endeavor.
 
LDLRN said:
Hello everyone. I finished RN school several months ago and have not been able to find employment due to being a "new grad." I decided to go back to school and get my BSN (mostly online) and possibly go to paramedic school at the same time. At first I was looking at accelerated paramedic programs, specifically one being 12 weeks long, but decided on a full year program to cement my foundation in health care. I have about 4 years prior experience as an EMT-B working on an ALS ambulance and I completed nursing school in the top of my class.
I would like to do well in each program and would not want to get in over my head. I will also note that the BSN program is only one class every 8 weeks.
How hard is paramedic school with above adequate experience as an EMT and being a RN? How much time would I have to accomodate to paramedic school? Should this really be done? Thank you for your time.
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i believe as an RN you can Challenge the Paramedic program and take a shortened class or not even take the class at all. it depends on your states EMS protocols.
 
Yeah, if you take both you will grow green boils and purple hair.

But still I'd want to excell at the BSN and then go for the paramedic if you still want it.
For interim employment, consider EMT-B, or moving; local papers in Central California advertise nursing positions. (You may need to do your time in convalescent homes also like many of us have to start).
 
EMSLaw said:
By whom? And for what reason? It seems to come up on here every day.
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Considering that this person is a graduate nurse (holding a registered license)...please don't try to challenge the paramedic exam. Take the full course load and avoid any of those 12 week, 6 month, or 9 month courses. Being that you just finished an associates degree in nursing, You would probably be ok with just taking the certificate course at your local community college... Meaning, go to an accredited institution, although you have probably done all of the pre-reqs for the AAS.
 
8jimi8 said:
BSN school is not going to be as hard as your ADN. You should be fine as long as you are organized enough not to fall behind in either endeavor.
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Thank you for your feedback. I am a very organized and motivated individual, I too think this will help in success.
 
MusicMedic said:
i believe as an RN you can Challenge the Paramedic program and take a shortened class or not even take the class at all. it depends on your states EMS protocols.
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I don't think I can in my state and I wouldn't even try it. The whole point would be to pick up skills that I didn't learn in nursing school to be better at both. One thing I did learn in nursing school is that EMS works differently. Yes, they both play out of the same play book but they differ in the execution.
Thank you for your idea though!
 
mycrofft said:
But still I'd want to excell at the BSN and then go for the paramedic if you still want it.
For interim employment, consider EMT-B, or moving; local papers in Central California advertise nursing positions. (You may need to do your time in convalescent homes also like many of us have to start).
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Thank you for your response and I'll take it into consideration. Unfortunately, no facility will hire new grads in this state and I have always wanted to get my paramedic certification and feel that this may be my opportunity.
 
At one of the companies I work at, we have an EMT who finished her BSN a year or so ago, but has been unable to find a job in nursing. We also have a batch of Paramedics, who also have their BSN, and while they work regular ALS, dont want to, or dont have the experience to work CCT, and want to be in the field.
 
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