paramedics vs EMT

[jaxxx]

Im looking on doing something in the health field in my career and I would like to hear some suggestions on what field I could look into.

[hotpig]

I work per diem as a Paramedic for a Hospital based County funded Ambulance Service. I'm overpaid 80% of the time and way under paid the rest.

I work about three twelve hour shifts every two weeks. It gives me a decent amount of play money aside from my Fire job.

Many of the full time people regret wasting time with the Paramedic program. In the time it has taken them to get a EMS job they could have just about finished the RN program.

We have lost about half of our Medics this way. My old partner told me that he could not see himself working for 17.00 per hour on the ambulance the rest of his life. Now he is working for one of those Nurse Staffing companies for 45.00 per hour.

[Glkster19]

Originally posted by hotpig
I work per diem as a Paramedic for a Hospital based County funded Ambulance Service. I'm overpaid 80% of the time and way under paid the rest.

I work about three twelve hour shifts every two weeks. It gives me a decent amount of play money aside from my Fire job.

Many of the full time people regret wasting time with the Paramedic program. In the time it has taken them to get a EMS job they could have just about finished the RN program.

We have lost about half of our Medics this way. My old partner told me that he could not see himself working for 17.00 per hour on the ambulance the rest of his life. Now he is working for one of those Nurse Staffing companies for 45.00 per hour.



I agree. With the new ciriculum here in MI, you can almost complete the RN program in the same time frame. Avg starting pay for a medic here is probably closer to $8-10/hr vs. $21-24 for an RN unless you work for an agency as stated above. Unless you get a gov't job as a medic, you will never come close to what you could make as an RN plus there are so many more opportunities as an RN. Don't like ICU, go to the ER. Don't like ER go surgery, don't like surgery then check out woound services, etc. As a medic, it's like this: Don't like this service, go to that service. Same crap, different uniform and different color ambulance. If it wasn't for the fact I'm almost 40 and fairly close to retirement, I'd consider nursing school. For me, it would probably be a pay cut or close to it and then start all over with retirement. Like the above poster, I too work for a hospital based service a few days a pay period and they happen to be a good paying service. I will say that working for a hospital based service is great because they basically let us work as RN's. Drastic increase of what you can see/do in the ER vs. in the field.

[hotpig]

I have learned a lot more working in the ER than I could have ever learned working just on the truck.

[Tecumseh]

Thats shameful that they do not pay you guys more. I can only imagine some of the hazards faced as a nurse. I would imagine your jobs put you in a lot more dangerous situations. I have no expereience as either but I still think you guys are a very important and vital role to the medical community.

[jaxxx]

yea I been there and done the whole RN program...i seriously was about to loose my mind...came to a piont and realized that my health and sanity was more important that going through the program right now....maybe I can find another RN program that I might get into but I would never go back to that one I was in. I've spoken to different student from different nursing schools and it was hard but not as hard as mine.

I might be looking into a PTA, respiratory therapist, LPN, or maybe even a dental hygeinist

what do you guys think?

[hotpig]

Some places have bridge programs from LPN to RN. It may be a good stair step for you. I would just buckle down and do the RN if I ever decide to go back to school.

[DaleGribble]

If you're thinking about becoming a paramedic, think about something else.

I can tell you now that this is not the job you want. You'll make crap for a wage, you'll be looked at like a red headed step child by most of the people in the medical community and you'll spend the majority of your time dealing with patients that don't need an ambulance!

Like the others said, go for the RN, you'll make a lot more money, get treated better and have an easier life!

[jaxxx]

hows a physical theraphy assistant?

[RLDS45S]

This is the most loaded question in the world! There are intangibles related to working in EMS. There is an autonomy that is not present in the hospital! There are times when I long to be back on the street full time running calls. I mean I work less hours as a RN and I make a lot more $ then I ever did or could as a medic. I did not mind the 24 hr shifts, the missed meals, or the holidays. EMS is 24/7/365.

Granted 95 percent of the time EMS is not a butt tightening experience. But, that 5 percent of the time it is put up or shut up.

The best time of my life was having saved cardiac arrest victim help my partner and myself extricate a couple of victims from a MVC. Talk about what comes around! All the while his wife was yelling at him!:)

A person has to be happy in life! You may never get rich as an EMS provider, but sometimes the rewards are more then pile of money could ever buy!

But, the best advice is use EMS as stepping stone to furthering yourself in another area of health care!

[jaxxx]

its easier said than done saying that you want to go through the RN program...I actually have been there done it..I been a pretty smart student all my life...I had a 3.6 GPA until i got into the RN program and killed me...it wasnt worth my loosing my health and sanity over the program I was in and Im only 23..anyways..I might look into a resp theraphy..or radiation theraphy..maybe even PTA

[SargeRN]

Sounds like we have a LOT of been there done that folks here! I too have been the gaunlet with a new twist thrown in. I also spent 20 years in the US Army as a Medic! The last year before I retired flying as a medic with a MAST unit. Seemed the logical follow on was to a EMT. Well after becoming a NREMT-I and an Instructor was spending more time working, 40 hour weeks and 20 hours OT ALL THE TIME, than anything else. Decided I wanted to go to Nursing school and did! Well that was 11 years ago and I've worked everyting from OR to ER then ICU and now back to the ER! Seems like EMS gets in your blood and never goes away. As far as the age discussion goes I was 42 when I went back to Nursing school and have NEVER regretted it at all!
If Nursing is something you want to do GO FOR IT and don't look back!

Sarge

[JGinzo]

I am a union firefighter paramedic with a South Florida fire department and I love my job. I can't think of doing anything else and I would encourage anyone to do it. But then again my experience my be the exception and not the norm especially if working for a private company.

[D25]

I love it. I am/was a FF as well, so that helps out in terms of $ and variety. But then again, I just got laid off, and today is my last shift. Next stop- a private EMS provider, but they do extensive air transport, so again, that helps out in the $ and variety. We'll see...

[jaxxx]

may I ask how much an avg salary is?

[JGinzo]

Average starting pay for Firefighter/Paramedic for Fire Dept is around $42000

[G21FAN]

If you are considering a Paramedic career, read first the burnout thread in this forum.

[DScottHewitt]

Originally posted by jaxxx
Im looking on doing something in the health field in my career and I would like to hear some suggestions on what field I could look into.

Thought this was going to be another fued thread. LOL. But wait, give it time.....

I have always thought in the back of my head I would like to move up to ALS at some point. But I do have a concern. I have actually myself seen ALS people forget BLS stuff when that was all that was really needed. I am scared I might do the same.

On the other hand, a great CT from our first due agency (Stuarts Draft Rescue Squad) took EXCELLENT care of my dad the morning he went to AMC two weeks before he passed. And it was all BLS stuff. (With a shot of TLC thrown in.)


Scott


;b

[Lynn D]

Currently RN working in an ED boarding unit. Wanted to do EMS when I was in college, but didn't have a car (all the local agencies were vollies). Now in mid-size city, and am considering EMT as a start. I've only been a nurse for 2 years (this is my 3rd career), and like the idea of pre-hospital.

While I know there are "bridge" programs for RN-paramedic, I think I'd rather do a basic EMT first, then move on and up if I need/want to.

Thoughts? Comments?

Lynn

[kevin101]

I was an EMT for 6 years. I never got paid more than 8 bucks an hour. I thought about going through the paramedic program but couldn't justify the hours of class plus working all the crazy hours my company scheduled. 10 years ago when my wife got pregnant with our first daughter I got out of EMS and got a boring factory job but I doubled my pay and have had a normal schedule ever since. My wife on the other hand went through LPN school and has been working at a medical office and loves it. I've thought about going to school for RN but working full time and having 2 young girls, I don't think I have the time. I'm 38 now and it's time to figure what I want to do real quick.

[Glkster19]

Originally posted by Lynn D
Currently RN working in an ED boarding unit. Wanted to do EMS when I was in college, but didn't have a car (all the local agencies were vollies). Now in mid-size city, and am considering EMT as a start. I've only been a nurse for 2 years (this is my 3rd career), and like the idea of pre-hospital.

While I know there are "bridge" programs for RN-paramedic, I think I'd rather do a basic EMT first, then move on and up if I need/want to.

Thoughts? Comments?

Lynn


Ever consider flight nursing? Pretty fun flying around in a helicopter and doing what you already do only these pts really do need help and aren't just seeking help for a sore throat or some other BS complaint in the ER. Most require RN/Paramedic licensure.

[Cavalry Doc]

There are other options than nursing. You can write orders vs. follow orders. Just think about it.

Army Physician Assistant Program (http://www.armypa.info)

Best decision I ever made about 12 years ago.

Doc
<c>b

[hotpig]

I work in a rural Hospital per diem. The PA is the life blood of health care in our tri county area.

[DaleGribble]

Originally posted by Lynn D
Currently RN working in an ED boarding unit. Wanted to do EMS when I was in college, but didn't have a car (all the local agencies were vollies). Now in mid-size city, and am considering EMT as a start. I've only been a nurse for 2 years (this is my 3rd career), and like the idea of pre-hospital.

While I know there are "bridge" programs for RN-paramedic, I think I'd rather do a basic EMT first, then move on and up if I need/want to.

Thoughts? Comments?

Lynn

Lynn, my advice would be to skip the EMTB and just get your paramedic patch.

Here in SC you just have to have some ER experience, take paramedic refresher (40 hour course, I think) and pass the National Registry tests.

I've known a few RN's that have done it and they all said that the National Registry test was easy for them.

[Lynn D]

Originally posted by DaleGribble
Lynn, my advice would be to skip the EMTB and just get your paramedic patch.

Here in SC you just have to have some ER experience, take paramedic refresher (40 hour course, I think) and pass the National Registry tests.

I've known a few RN's that have done it and they all said that the National Registry test was easy for them.

Thanks for the advice. I'm in NY and there aren't too many of the "bridge" programs around. My nursing experience is limited (since 2004), so I was thinking to get EMT-B, then move on if I liked it. EMT-B is pretty straight forward. The thing that isn't is what you learn on the road.

I'll be thinking about it....

Lynn

[Glkster19]

Depending on what units you've worked in, the EMT-B program may benefit you. Things like backboarding, splinting, etc. are skills that some paramedic programs may not hit upon too much, particularly a bridge program.

[Lynn D]

Glkster19 -

Thanks for the advice. I've had some of it before...my previous educational background is in a medical field. My main thought about doing EMT-B first is to get a good taste of what the processes are in pre-hospital care. I know that some of it will be the same and some of it will be different.

I'm still thinking about how and when to do this. I'd like to get a bit more good nursing experience behind me before I attempt school again.....

Further advice, is, of course, welcome.

Lynn

[kevin101]

The basic EMT class in NY is usually 1 night a week for several months so it doesn't actually take much time to take it. My card has been expired for a few years now and I still think about renewing it from time to time because I do miss the action a little bit.

[Mr. Ajax]

I'm currently an EMT-B working for a hospital based EMS/Tx agency. I'm currently in my NREMT-I class, I test out in september hopefully (depending on how quick I can get my clinicals done) Currently I'm pretty pleased with the deal I'm getting on training, I get paid to be in class, drive time, mileage, paid clinical time, and free books. So I'm currently eating it up.

A lot of people have mentioned that they have decided to jump into the RN program due to financial gain. I've also considered this shift, but I'm undecided as to how I will procede. I personally dont want to be an RN, I dont want to work in a hospital, and I dont want to give up my EMS lifestyle. working my bus is fun, and that's really what many people consider more important. If I had a dollar for everytime that someone told me to "find what you love to do then find how to get paid doing it," I wouldnt have to work!

As it stands with my current college credits (including those accumulated by taking my Intermediate class) I would be able to get my A.S. in Nursing (my RN) in 2-3 semesters. This would yield a much higher pay but I really wouldnt enjoy going to work in the same fasion I do. I imagine I'll probably do it eventually because EMS will get old after a while and having my RN will give me options. The funny thing is that my old man went down this road and worked in a level 1 truama center ED for 10 years and now works a desk job. he got sick of it all ;)

[Glkster19]

Something else to consider is a Medical First Responder class. Teaches most of what an EMT class consists of and is much shorter.

[Lynn D]

Originally posted by Mr. Ajax

A lot of people have mentioned that they have decided to jump into the RN program due to financial gain. I've also considered this shift, but I'm undecided as to how I will procede. I personally dont want to be an RN, I dont want to work in a hospital, and I dont want to give up my EMS lifestyle. working my bus is fun, and that's really what many people consider more important. If I had a dollar for everytime that someone told me to "find what you love to do then find how to get paid doing it," I wouldnt have to work!

;)

Well, from the nursing perspective, I went kicking and screaming. PM me if you want all the details. Suffice to say, I should have done nursing a long time ago. I love it and am good at it. And the folks that gave the "love what you do" advice are spot on. So, if that is really how you feel about EMS, you may not want to change.

There are maybe not as many limitations to nursing as you may think. In my region, there is an air ambulance that employees paramedics, EMTs and nurses as flight crew. You could also remain an EMS designation and be a nurse (dual credentials) in this arena, I believe. I work in a large university hospital with level I trauma designation. You could be an ED nurse or, as many men do, work the ICU. It's not nearly as boring as a lot of folks think. My unit is for stable folks awaiting beds, but that doesn't stop them from coding on me.

I have several former co-workers who left hospital nursing for office nursing. I know that may seem a long way from where you want to be, but it may be worth considering. And depending on where you live, perhaps working as a nurse in an outpatient surgery center might be up to your speed.

Consider it. You may like it. Just like I may like EMS.

Best of luck.

Lynn

[gruntmedik]

jaxxx, do you have any friends currently working in EMS? Try to get a ride-along with a local ambulance service, it may give you some idea of what to expect in an EMS field. I have worked in the hospital setting for 7 years, and 12 years pre-hospital. I prefer pre-hospital due to the autonomy, and variety. When I grow up, I will finish school get my RN, and finish out my usefulness working in a warm hospital. There is much good advice in the above posts. You will not become wealthy, but the job is truley what you make of it. I have been frustrated beyond imagination in my career, but I have also been a beneficial part of many peoples lives--and that in and of itself is a very self gratifying thing. Good luck in your choice.

[jaxxx]

I tried so many different jobs that at this piont many of you guys are right....Its better to get paid less doing what you Love doing instead of getting paid more on something I dont like.

Im tryingto keep an open mind on everything so Im searching hard on finding a career I can enjoy doing the rest of my life.

[akulahawk]

I am currently a California Paramedic. I, however, am not working in that capacity due to the relative lack of benefits that I have with my current job. I have made the decision to go back to school (I have a B.S.) and become an RN. The primary reason for this change is that the pay is MUCH better than I'm getting now AND generally better hours.

I will be keeping my Paramedic License up to date and return to doing field work when the schedule permits. I've been doing some form of medical care since 1991. I started with being an athletic trainer, becoming an EMT-B in 1997 and becoming a Paramedic in 2001. In all, I've probably spent about 7 years in prehospital Ambulance work. I absolutely LOVE it! I enjoy the challenge and autonomy of field work but the private ambulance companies just don't pay very well nor are their benefits as good as what I've got now.

I'd say that right now, in my non-medical capacity, my pay is terrible, but the benefits are fantastic.

As far as RN's challenging the EMT-P license stuff, I absolutely think that RN's should have to complete an EMT-B course before challenging the test and hitting the street because RN's who do not have prehospital experience lack good street BLS skills. Many of the CCT nurses I've met would absolutely flounder if they worked a prehospital call and are yet absolutely fantastic at providing CCT care. It's not their fault. They just haven't been trained for that.

I used to work closely with some fantastic flight nurses. What I've heard consistently from them is that it takes about 5-6 times longer to train an RN (no street time) to be a flight nurse than it is to train an RN/EMT or RN/EMT-P (w/ street time) to be a flight nurse. All of this "extra time" is for teaching the new flight nurse solid basic skills and changing their mindset to be more autonomous care providers.

This is NOT a slam by any means. Just an observation.

[Glkster19]

Originally posted by akulahawk
This is NOT a slam by any means. Just an observation.


I didn't read it as a slam, I've seen every bit of what you're talking about. Same as the flight RN's for the service I work for. Have to be licensed paramedic plus RN obviously and generally 6 yrs experieince in ER and ICU preferably. They have made exceptions if someone is a very good candidate with progressive experience in a busy ER.

[akulahawk]

Originally posted by Glkster19
I didn't read it as a slam, I've seen every bit of what you're talking about. Same as the flight RN's for the service I work for. Have to be licensed paramedic plus RN obviously and generally 6 yrs experieince in ER and ICU preferably. They have made exceptions if someone is a very good candidate with progressive experience in a busy ER.

Well, I for one, am very glad that someone read my post the way I intended it:)

The services I am familiar with out here will hire RN's with >5 yrs experience in the ER/ICU. If the RN has time as a Paramedic, they will take someone with >3 yrs in ER/ICU AND they'll be much happier to do this because those RN's take MUCH less time to bring them up to speed and headed for CFRN certification that much faster. Then again, these services do mostly 911 calls...