I am deciding whether or not I should go for my paramedic license before or after I get my R.N. Does anyone have any experience with this situation? Does anyone have some advice?

I've completed my EMT training.  While doing clinicals in the ER I decided to go back into the nursing program where I had been previously before I became pregnant with my first daughter. I have become so frustrated with the nursing program at my school that I am going back into Paramedic Science to get my license.  Once done I will transition into the nursing program.  I will have many additional benefits since I love trauma so much.  I would say that if you enjoy trauma as well then you can't go wrong with the additional training that you would gain in pre hospital care.  This doesn't just include the EMT training but also HAZMAT training and possibly weapons of mass destruction training, all which I received while taking the basic course.  You actaully become certified in these and recieve a certificate.  This is training that the nursing program doesn't include, even if you go into emergency care.  Also, once I transition I will be able to apply for flight nurse positions.  I'm not sure of the requirements for all states but in Indiana you have to be a licensed paramedic as well as an RN to qualify for these positions.   Medics these days do far more than "load and go".  They are very well trained medical professionals, and their skills are very useful in the pre hospital setting.  Many lives have been saved by a medic in the field.  For me, it's about more than money.  Granted, medics make crap for pay, but I LOVE trauma in the pre hospital setting...there's nothing like it.  Good luck!!! 

If your ultimate career goal is in nursing, then in my opinion it would be best to pursue that.  Paramedics makes good nurses, no doubt, but delaying your ultimate goal doesn't make sense to me.  Once you become a nurse, you can take advantage of better pay and tuition assistance to pursue your paramedic degree.  Once that is completed you can run on the truck part-time and add that invaluable knowledge and skill to your nursing mind.

First, let me state that if you want to make money, go to nursing school.

Second, let me say with the authority of being both BSN and Paramedic, nurses do not know more medically than a Paramedic as MAMADAWN stated. The nursing track is bases on the patients human responce to a medical condition. Paramedic is based on responding medically to a patients medical condition. Now there are areas that a nurse will practice and learn more medically such as critical care and emergency nursing.

However, nurses can only follow orders, or as the newer thinking goes, carry out perscriptions. Paramedics must make decisions and follow through with them. Sure I have standing protocals or orders, but it is me that has to decide on the medical condition and follow through with the correct medical responce.

Either field is dependent on you, the student, on what youare willing to learn and the deapth in which you study and learn. Both fields are very rewarding personally. I enjoy the caring side (and the pay) of my BSN and I absolulty love the autonomy I have as a Paramedic.

I deeply respect both fields and think that each has it's place. I also feel that being a Paramedic first made nursing school much harder. I had 10+ years as a medic when I went to nursing school. Changing from ABC's as priority to how does that make you feel is a hard transition.

I will say that Paramedics that go back to school fro RN or take a bridge program make super ED or ICU nurses.

High 5 Racemedic1

rn_medic. I just gave you my opinion on your other post.. Teresa