Tasks
When it comes to a paramedic, they are required to take emergency calls to get to patients that need medical assistance right away. Treating the patients and transporting them to the hospital or other medical center. They are required to keep records of the patient and their status, diagnose the patients and administer medications to the patient for pain or stabilization. Teaching the patient and their family members about their condition is also required.
Skills
You will have to obtain the right type of skills in order to work as a paramedic. You will have to be able to assess trauma, insert into the patient’s airway, defibrillation, crisis intervention for the respiratory system and cardiac life support.
Education
To become a paramedic¸ you will have to take EMT-Paramedic courses from a college that is accredited. To become an RN, you will have to acquire either an associates degree or bachelor’s degree. A nursing program diploma is also an option.
Credentials
To be a paramedic you will have to pass an exam for certification called the NREMT. For RNs, they are required to pass a different exam for licensure called NCLEX-RN.
Schedules
The average work week for paramedics is between 45 and 60 hours. They are required to kneel, lift and bend throughout the day. RNs do a lot of standing, walking and bending. They work regular shifts and routinely nights, holidays and weekends.
Risks
As a paramedic, you can be exposed to different diseases and will hear a lot of loud noises and can even possibly injure their back while lifting. RNs have other hazards they are exposed to, including blood, used needles and diseases.
