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Wed, 26 Jun 2002 00:35:40 -0400

Russ,  You are entering nursing at a perfect time.  With the shortage of
nurses and your EMT background, it shouldn't be difficult to find an ER
willing to train you - be prepared - some ER's prefer one year of Med/Surg
and to be perfectly honest, that one year would be beneficial for your level
of experience.  One year goes quickly.  I can only speak from my own
experience.  I was a surgical tech working 40 hrs. when I went to nursing
school so for me it worked out to get my associates and then immediately
entered a bachelors program.  If I were younger, I would definitely get a
Masters' - it opens a lot of doors (i.e. the Trauma Coordinators at my
hospital have to have a Masters' Degree).  Hope this helps - when you love
trauma nothing else works.  Good luck and God Bless.  Patti Owens 

Patricia J. Owens, RN,BSN
Trauma Team Leader - MOR
6-8910

> -----Original Message-----
> From:	Russ Pasley [SMTP:rpasley@marmotmountain.com]
> Sent:	Tuesday, June 25, 2002 5:16 PM
> To:	trauma-list@trauma.org
> Subject:	Advice on nursing...
> 
> Greetings,
> 
> I have a quick question to shoot out at any trauma/emergency room nurses
> that would be kind enough to take a moment to offer me some advice or
> insight.
> 
> I am about to pursue a career in nursing, more specifically working in
> trauma.  I have had experience in the past as an EMT with the National
> Park
> Service as a ranger.  Working on certain incidents in Yellowstone made me
> realize that I wanted to follow a career path in trauma nursing.  I worked
> well with my fellow colleagues (rangers, nurses, and doctor) , was
> respected by them, and encouraged to pursue a career in emergency
> medicine.
> 
> 
> My question is how does one work their way into trauma?  I do not want to
> get into nursing to be a floor nurse in a hospital, work in a retirement
> home, or in a doctor's office.  Is there a danger of being "pigeon-holed"
> early in your career?  Right now I am starting to volunteer in the ER at
> San Francisco General.  This is the main trauma center for this side of
> the
> bay.  My plan is to reinstate my EMT and to then work my way into a tech
> position in the ER if possible. This way while I am in school the ER staff
> will get to know me, my character, and my abilities.  Does this sound like
> a good plan?
> 
> The only other question is that of an Associate's degree vs a Bachelor's
> degree.  Both qualify you to sit for the state exam for an RN.  For the AA
> I have my prerequisite classes done, can get into a program now, and be
> done in 4 semesters.  Pursuing the BS will take quite a bit longer.  I'm
> 40
> and want to start things happening right now!  I guess what I am asking is
> will the AA hinder my goals as opposed to getting the BS?
> 
> Again, I would be very appreciative to any of you out there who could take
> a bit of time out of your busy lives to offer me some advice.
> 
> Thanks much and peace to you,
> 
> Russ Pasley
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
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