Re: EMT-P to RN programs

[Dwayne Rich <NC_EMTP@bellsouth.net>]

I will add my two cents here. As a paramedic that is working towards his
RN, I will say this. Most of the students I am in class with have no experience
outside of school. They have no concept of improvising and many of the nurses
that I have talked to that work in the hospital say they wouldn't work in
the field because theirs is a semi controlled situation. I have some good
friends that are RNs and are excellent in the field. Some I know can't pour
pee out of a boot with the instructions written on the bottom. My classes
towards my RN are much more detailed than my Paramedic classes were. It's
simply a matter of time. I think that both sides have similarities and differences.
I think each side should be required to take the required training for whatever
they want to do. Paramedics should take the nursing curriculum and nurses
should take the paramedic curriculum. There is a different emphasis in both
programs that should be learned. I am not  a fan of any bridge program. I
don't think that nurses should be allowed to challenge the paramedic exam.
If they argue they should, then the same considerations should be given to
paramedic wishing to become RNs. Truth be known the educational aspects of
attending class doesn't hurt anyone. Yes it's inconvenient and many of the
students in class with  me have made the comment they should just grant me
my degree so I can take the nursing exam. I do very well in my classes. I
am at the top of my class but I think that is because I have been exposed
to years of good instructors. Better education usually means better patient
care.

Dwayne
NREMTP

JuliaS2@aol.com wrote:
> 81.145af822.294250a7@aol.com">
> Well, said Bill,. Being a RN who has taught and developed EMT-B through EMT-P
> courses since the beginning of time (since back in the early 80's)  both
> fields provide a knowledge base that needs further developed.  Each have
> different emphasis, and different strengths that we need to expand on.  For
> nurses in the Emergency or maybe in the ICCU area's there are many over lapping
> areas, but all of this knowledge is learned after your basic education.  When
> I first started flying I was the first RN that wasn't an EMT-P hired so they
> sent me ride 6 weeks with Denver General EMT-P, that was one of the best
> experiences of my life.  But I feel the knowledge bases is boarder in the
> nursing field.  Think of a Hospice nurses or other none emergency specialties
> there is very little of the EMT-P role involved.  Should EMT-P be given credit
> for there experience?  Should a RN be given credit for their experience?
>  YES they both should.   
>   
> Just a side note, I have helped develop and teach the EMT-P course, test
> students, etc., for over 18 years, I have spent more time in ambulances then
> may EMT-P have in there first few years, but in the state of CO I can't take
> the EMT-P course unless I sit through the same class I have been teaching
> for years.   
>   
> Just a thought 
> Julia Spring RN   
>   
>