Making the Switch from Paramedic to RN

October 13th, 2009

Paramedics are exposed to many of the grim realities of life and therefore require not only a disposition that can handle this, but an ability to think quickly on their feet. They are additional some of the most respected civil service jobs in the nation, alongside firefighters and police officers. However, many paramedics continue on their course for a few years and decide they want a more stable career choice, although still in the health care industry, leading to programs like the paramedic to RN bridge program which aids paramedics in achieving their nursing degree.

Being a paramedic is incredibly rewarding, and despite the demanding schedule and grueling pace of their career, most paramedics are hesitant to give up their job. Becoming an RN is the next logical step for many paramedics because it keeps them within the same career atmosphere with the same unpredictability, but without the grueling pace. As an RN, you are aware of what may face you and you can have a more set schedule, without the constant racing around to accident sites. Additionally, many paramedics want to be able to grow in their career goals, an opportunity a career in nursing can offer to them. Paramedics make a little more than half the salary that registered nurses make, mostly for similar work that they have already been introduced to. All in all, becoming an RN seems to be the next logical step for many paramedics.

Work stress can be largely debilitating to facilitating a normal life outside of work, and many paramedics continue to take this stress home with them, causing many long-term problems. It is difficult to see so many accidents every day, and continue to be unable to save every person. While nurses and doctors experience similar feelings, they are not on-site at accidents and do not see the grueling wreckage of a car accident or the macabre scene after a drug-related shoot-out. Paramedics have to soak all this in, and still go home wondering what happened to their patient. As a registered nurse, the stress on the job is considerably lower, albeit still there. However, most RNs are well equipped to deal with the stress of life, and are comforted by the stability in their job and the joy that comes with patient care, viewing and visiting the same patients every day.

More and more schools are offering bridge programs to facilitate the process in becoming an RN after already having a paramedic license. These programs shorten the amount of time it takes to become an RN (due to the previous classes paramedics have already had to take) and make the process easier for students. Additionally, the cost of attending these bridge classes is much cheaper than enrolling in a full RN program and can save students valuable time and money in the long run.

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