Honest Opinion

I am a registered nurse and have been for over 12 years in healthcare 20 years, a lot of times and I understand some of the issues between EMS and nurses. However I work on a volunteer Fire/Rescue Squad, I have worked Obstetrics, Gerontology, Med Surg, Psychiatric, Emergency, Case Management, and Telemetry to name some of the areas I have worked. I am very proud to be a RN and worked very hard to get where I am today. However, I sort of feel disappointed by the way my fellow FF who are EMT's and Paramedics state that a nurse doesn't count in Fire/Rescue they do not acknowledge that. Why is it I am ACLS certified and have over 20 years in healthcare doesn't count for anything? I show respect to EMT and Paramedics why can (some) not show me that respect back?

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Permalink Reply by Adam Schmitt on November 7, 2009 at 8:26pm

Well I believe this an old arguement that sometimes gets way out of hand. Respect is a two way street. I have been in the middle of this before. I do know of RN's that have no respect to pre-hospital providers, and visa versa. These RN's wound up doing some ride time, seeing what we do, then come back and feel bad that they felt that way in the first place. I even got an apologie or two. On the flip side I know of some Medics that treated everyone with disrespect. Bottom line is, we need to respect everyone we come in contact with. If these people are unprofessional, don't lower yourself to there level.

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Permalink Reply by Ron Ayotte on November 8, 2009 at 1:22am

Out in the streets, EMS is a different animal than in the hospital setting. For someone who is used to having everything they need within arms reach, the streets can be daunting.

I have been to calls where a nurse who happens to be on scene as a bystander tries to take over, barking "orders".

I have also been on calls with a nurse who happens to be on scene as a bystander will ask us how they can help.

I have also been in situations as the "bystander" along with my sister, who happens to be an RN.

As many have stated, respect is a two way street.

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Permalink Reply by keith on November 16, 2009 at 10:03am

coming from the fire/ems world i dont have a problem with RN's that general want to help and understand there limitations in the outside world compared to the hospital setting. we dont have everything within arms reach and we dont have everything that is going to be there in a hospital setting, but its what we do, we deal with it and do the best of our abilities in the field. in the same respect when im in a hospital i try not to step on anyones toes. if i can help or if the staff looks as if they might need help i ask if they do sure ill help up to my s.o.p. if they dont need it just step back and watch them work. with the respect thing i learned when i first got in to fire/ems its very hard and important to earn the respect of the older more experienced personal, you can have all the certs and classes you want. the older crewmen are not going to be impressed with that. Its all about how hard you work and if you'r willing to shut your mouth and listen to what they have to say. thats just what i have just picked up from working in this field, and how i have seen RN's try to jump on truck with no true ems training. you can be an ER RN all you want but until you come work in our world dont be upset or afined when ems fire doesnt respect you asoon as you start. and that works both ways we should carry around the feeling that we are better then RN's just because we work in trucks and they work in hospitals.

In the end we are all here for the samethings. patient care and that is all

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Permalink Reply by Scott on November 19, 2009 at 10:24pm

As an RN in Ohio and on a vollie dept, I am completely aware of what I am allowed and not allowed to do. The medics and EMTs in my area am aware of my experience and I have no problem assisting them in procedures/packaging pts/whatever in the field. I will not wait to start CPR or assess a pt before they arrive if it needs done, but I also will not step outside of my boundaries of licensing either. My butt is on the line, but I will protect myself, too!