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Nicole,
I agree with Heather and Tracy. ASTNA will give you the essential requirements. Some programs will allow you to come on board if you don't have all of your certifications, but they require you obtain them in 6 months to a year. It is good to soak up as much experience as you can get between Critical Care and the ER, as well as looking into your prehospital experiences. Some states also have certain requirements that must be fulfilled in order to fly. Examples are-TN requires nurses to have their EMT. Pennsylvania requires you to be certified as a prehospital RN.
Hold on to this goal if it something you want to do! 3-5 years may seem like a long time, but I am glad it took me every bit of 6 years to get the experience, as well as the certifications. I don't regret a single moment because this is the best position I have ever had as a nurse. I'll bet I am not the only one to say that either-nurse or paramedic! Good Luck!
Sue Toberman, RN
U.T. LifeStar