Paramedic to RN

[MadMack]

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Anyone here got any experience with this? I'm strongly considering doing this, mainly to get a better understanding of the pathophysiology of the disorders effecting the patients I see in EMS and in the ED. That, and working for $40 an hour in one of the local trauma centers is nice too..

I'm less then inclined to believe what admissions people say about their programs after my first experience as a Political Science / History major; instead I'd prefer to hear from people that have been through the programs that I'm interested in going through.

Little background, when I finish the Paramedic Program I'll have an Associates Degree in General Education (transfer degree) and an Associates of Science Degree in Emergency Medical Services. Would it make more sense to go into a Paramedic - RN program that doesn't offer a Bachelor's or try to transfer into a BSN program at a four year university?

 

[184013]

Madmack,
If I were in your same situation - I would look to see if there are any 'accelerated BSN's for second degree seeking students' in your geographic area. This might be a perfect blend for you! Programs develop their own time line but typically last 12-18 months and you walk away with a BSN.... I think with your previous experience and degree this might be a good route....
(actually if I were really you I would also look at PA programs in your area... usually the hardest pre-req is HAVING health care experience.. you could take a few classes to meet the pre-req.. and then do a 2 year (year round) masters program and walk away a certified - genuine PA)
Good luck! You seem to be at good decision point - several great routes~

 

[foreverLaur]

The accelerated BSN programs that last 12-18 months are for people with a bachelors degree already. The OP only has an associates degree. Do they have non nursing associate degree to BSN programs that are quicker as well?

If not, I would recommend doing an associates in nursing and becoming an RN. If you decide you would like to further your education as an NP, CRNA, AA, or PA, you can always do a RN-BSN program while working as an RN still.

 

[core0]

Look here for info on this EMT-P to RN program

www.excelsior.edu

however be aware that this RN degree is not accepted by several states.

David Carpenter, PA-C

 

[oldiebutgoodie]

Just be aware that whether you go to an ADN program or BSN program, it will be 2 years of bull****. Some will be helpful, most will not be. Your profs will not care that you are a paramedic. They just want to shove the "nursing process" down your throat.

My son just got out of the Air Force, was a medic. He is now doing prereqs for nursing. I explained that nursing school is like basic training, and you have to just keep your mouth shut.

On the other hand, once you have the RN, you have lots of flexibility in what you can do. So it's 2 years of pain for a lifetime of flexibility.

And you certainly won't have to worry about learning how to start IVs. 😉

Good luck,
Oldiebutgoodie RN

 

[streetdr]

Anyone here got any experience with this? I'm strongly considering doing this, mainly to get a better understanding of the pathophysiology of the disorders effecting the patients I see in EMS and in the ED. That, and working for $40 an hour in one of the local trauma centers is nice too..

Yes, it is.

I'm less then inclined to believe what admissions people say about their programs after my first experience as a Political Science / History major; instead I'd prefer to hear from people that have been through the programs that I'm interested in going through.

All colleges are like this. They encourage their pre-meds to become bio or chem majors. They encourage people that want to be paramedics to be paramedics, because they don't know any freaking better. (I am eluding to a secret in Florida that you might not know about... we will get there)

Little background, when I finish the Paramedic Program I'll have an Associates Degree in General Education (transfer degree) and an Associates of Science Degree in Emergency Medical Services. Would it make more sense to go into a Paramedic - RN program that doesn't offer a Bachelor's or try to transfer into a BSN program at a four year university?

There are Paramedic - RN programs in Florida. One is at Palm beach community college, the other is at Miami Dade college there may be more that I don't know of (-- I am at Miami... let me know if you need any details). When you are comparing BSN to ADN programs, you should SERIOUSLY consider the amount of time it will take you to complete. That is time you won't be working. So an extra 2 years getting the BSN up front without being an RN with an ADN won't yield you any ability to make $40/hr. Whereas going the ADN route, after one year, you will be making $40 an hour completing your BSN and probably getting your work to pay for it.

Unfortunately you are among the masses that decided it would be a great idea to be a paramajic, but quickly learned that in Florida without being on a Fire Department you're lucky to make $14/hr without benefits. Sucks. Unfortunately you have seen the light and want more education. Do it before you even consider getting on a department, after you are on it will be VERY VERY VERY difficult. 9 days a month at work is nice, but try to get instructors to understand that when you are applying to a competitive program. Doesn't amount to squat. What those BRILLIANT advisors should be saying is to take yourself to nursing school, take EMT-B and challenge the paramedic exam. BOOM - 2 licenses for the price of one - but that would make sense and not make them as much money.

 

[Paseo Del Norte]

Just be aware that whether you go to an ADN program or BSN program, it will be 2 years of bull****. Some will be helpful, most will not be. Your profs will not care that you are a paramedic. They just want to shove the "nursing process" down your throat.

My son just got out of the Air Force, was a medic. He is now doing prereqs for nursing. I explained that nursing school is like basic training, and you have to just keep your mouth shut.

On the other hand, once you have the RN, you have lots of flexibility in what you can do. So it's 2 years of pain for a lifetime of flexibility.

And you certainly won't have to worry about learning how to start IVs. 😉

Good luck,
Oldiebutgoodie RN

A good nursing program should teach helpful and relevant courses. Unfortunately, nursing education is in a state of chaos.

Spending some time on the nursing process will be helpful because you see the typical "process" questions on the NCLEX, and even see it on some of the canned care plans and charts encountered in the hospital. While some people disagree with the nursing process, once you realize the essence of it, it is not hard to understand. The nursing process is simply another way of describing what everybody else does. See a problem, identify the cause, plan to fix it, fix it, assess to see if your plan worked. It is that simple. The whole nursing diagnosis concept is a pain; however, it is yet again, another way of stating the obvious. If you understand this, you will do well.

I do agree that sometimes the best thing to do is, "cooperate to graduate." However, this is not unique to nursing school. For example, if I go to PA school, RT school, or any other school, I will plan to do things their way and choose my battles very carefully. This is not unique and pretty good advice for anybody who is looking at going into an educational program of study.

As far as nursing school being two years of pain; it's all a matter of perspective. I did clinical rotations and had the opportunity to spend a few weeks working closely with a PA student doing a clerkship in family practice. He was putting in about 60 hours a week while I did my sixteen, not including pre-clinical and post clinical work. Of course, I had didactic classes the other three day of the week, but nothing near 60 hours. So, while nursing school is a pain, it could always be worse.

Good luck, it is always nice to see paramedics converting to the dark side. 😀

 

[gonj]

Unfortunately, nursing education is in a state of chaos.

understate much?

 

[chimichanga]

...Unfortunately, nursing education is in a state of chaos.

Please explain this further...

I'd like to hear your take...

 

[Paseo Del Norte]

One of the biggest problems is lack of "qualified" nursing instructors. The backlog to get into nursing programs is out of control in many areas. In addition, this means less qualified faculty, larger student to instructor ratios, and a compromised educational process.

Along with this is compromised clinical experiences. When I was a student we had strict oversight and standards, along with a small instructor to student ratio in the clinical environment. 1:4, if I remember correctly. Now, I see students show up for practicum with little instructor support, oversight, or guidance. These students are essentially dropped off and left to their own devices.

Honestly, I really think the clinical aspect of nursing education is most likely the most important, as the backbone of nursing care involves "direct patient care." While I absolutely support a strong didactic experience, the "money shot" of nursing education if you will should be the clinical experience. This is not occurring in many areas however.

In addition, I have seen many educational short cuts. For example, I worked with nurses who had accounting or literature degrees transition into an RN with only a year of education and minimal clinical experience.

So, IMHO, the nursing education chaos problem is multifactorial; however, much of it stems from lack of qualified nursing instructors and a poor educational experience for nurse candidates. I absolutely disagree with the mantra that "education is what you make of it." This concept is absolutely untrue, and you need a sound, well structured, and above par educational process in place so the student has a chance at making the most out of their experience.

 

[Paseo Del Norte]

understate much?

Call it how I see it.

 

[chimichanga]

when you say 'practicum' are you referring to senior preceptorship (aka capstone)?

and how do you identify a 'qualified' (clinical) instructor

thanks

 

[chimichanga]

... When I was a student we had strict oversight and standards, along with a small instructor to student ratio in the clinical environment. 1:4, if I remember correctly...

really?

I had seven to eight fellow students in each of my five clinical rotations, many years ago

1:4 would be ideal, but completely unaffordable to colleges

 

[Paseo Del Norte]

when you say 'practicum' are you referring to senior preceptorship (aka capstone)?

and how do you identify a 'qualified' (clinical) instructor

thanks

No, I am talking about the general clinical experience in nursing school. For example, the school I attended had a two day practicum per week. Some nursing programs use the term practicum interchangeably with clinical rotation. Personally, I rather like the PA formula where you have a clerkship. You had a dedicated rotation in a specific area for a few to several weeks. While this may occur in nursing school, my idea of a clinical rotation would be three solid weeks of experience in a specific area, working in the clinical environment every day. Clearly, several of these rotation would be required followed by medical/surgical preceptorship culmination rotation if you will. Not the typical couple of days a week in between classes formula we often see.

Identifying a qualified instructor is tricky. I find many places look at the degree status more than actual experience. A local community college turned down one of our most experienced flight nurses. She has years of pediatric and neonatal floor experience and years of fixed and rotor wing adult/pediatric critical care transport experience, in addition to paramedic licensure. She even has a Ph.D. in education with an emphasis on simulation based education. What an asset; however, she was turned down because her nursing degree was only an AAS. Say what? 😱

Again, I think the nurses experience should play a significant role in candidate selection. I dare say I would even allow ADN educated students provided they have sound clinical experience and will be an asset to producing a competent nurse.

I could go on; however, I do not want to continue pushing this thread off topic. Perhaps off line conversation or a new thread would be better than hijacking?

EDIT: However, we did not have a large class. I think we started with sixteen and ended up graduating 14. So, the instructor:student ratio was great. I am not sure if that is still the case at this program.


Agin, good luck to the OP.

 

[chimichanga]

I sent you a PM

sorry for hijacking

To the OP:

there are some medic to RN bridge programs, but other than that (and excelsior), your option is to enroll in an RN program

I have had many medics in my clinicals, and enjoy them and what they bring to nursing.