Value of Nursing for Paramedics

E

emt/ff71185

Forum Probie
Messages
28
Reaction score
0
Points
0
I didn't know what room to post this question so it's going here. My goal is to be a career FF/medic and I also want a Bachelors degree. Would a degree in emergency nursing make me a better medic? It seems like it would but I am very new to the medical world and so it may be more different than I think.
 
I am a B.S.N. student; and I find certain instances in which I can apply something we covered in a nursing lecture to one of my patients on the ambulance. As far as giving me an edge, I haven't had an epiphany moment just yet. The reason I chose B.S.N. was because I wanted to get involved in I.C.U. medicine. Now, if you are seeking a job in flight nursing or flight medic; sure, this will be great. Pursuing higher education is never a bad thing. Let me warn you though; be prepared to have no life whatsoever. I mean 0.
 
It all depends whether your goals are more medical or firefighting.

Having a degree in nursing will mean little if you can not devote the time to gain experience in that field. There is so much to cover in a nursing degree that even with a B.S.N. there will only be time for the basics. Specialty education will come after the degree if you are accepted to the ED or ICU.

Depending on where you are and the hospitals available, your experience as a nurse might be limited.

We have had several paramedics with the flight team get their RN but still are not able to apply for the Flight Nurse position which is considerably more pay because they do not have the required 5 years of ICU/ED experience as a nurse. Many have yet to get into the ICU due to the time required for intensive training in critical care education before they are allowed in the ICUs. Mostly it is due to a lack of initiative and not scheduling. They are in their comfort zone as a Paramedic.

If the medical field is your passion, then the B.S.N. will definitely open doors for you in many areas. If you just want to make extra money and get a little in hospital experience, the B.S.N. will also be worth it as well if at some time you want to do more.

If you want to devote your career to fire fighting then you might want to see which degree (management or Fire Science) will get you the promotions up the ladder.
 
Thank you for the advice. I started my medical enthusiasm by only doing it to get on a career fire department. Here in Illinois as well as elsewhere you need your paramedic to be a FF in many cases. However now that I have my B and have gained a little experience as to what actually is involved with medical calls I find myself drawn to it and I want to do both. My decision for now is to get my B.S.N. and at the very least I can use it as a part-time job that is flexible with a career FF and at the most I will be a much better medic for doing it.

Thanks again for the tips and feel free to offer more
 
Another thing to consider with nursing is that it is something you can do for a LONG time. Compare the average burnout time for paramedics/EMT's to those that work in nursing.
 
Be prepared to get a prescription for Noacetol; because that is exactly what you'll get.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top