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Audry
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Port Lavaca, Texas
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Fire/EMS to nursing?
How have other fire and EMS personnel adjusted when switching to nursing school and nursing as a career?
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Dr H
Dr. H's Research
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Hey Audry!
A big leap from Fire/EMS to nursing is often said to be awesome lemme say that. Now, there are a lot of unique experiences that come with this switch, and many people who’ve done it have said it was totally worth it. Here's a bit of a roadmap for what to expect and how to adjust if you want to take it or just curious right now.
First, Pacing. In EMS, you're used to quick decision-making, rapid response, and high-intensity environments. Nursing school can feel slower at first, with a lot more theory and bookwork. The key is just pure patience. You'll be digging deep into medical concepts and nursing protocols, which requires a different rhythm than the adrenaline rush of firefighting or EMS calls.
Then, Hands-On Skills vs. Caregiving. In EMS, you're often reacting to emergencies, giving immediate care, and stabilizing patients. As a nurse, you'll be doing that too, but with a shift toward ongoing care. It's less about the rush of life-saving moments and more about following through—administering treatments, coordinating care, and monitoring patients over time. You’ll be on the front lines, but the job will require more consistency and attention to detail.
Third. The Team Dynamics.. As a firefighter or EMS personnel, you’re used to working in teams under pressure. Nursing also involves teamwork, but you might have to adjust to different dynamics. There’s a stronger emphasis on collaborating with doctors, other nurses, and healthcare providers for longer shifts.
Forth...Emotional Transition. In EMS, you get to see patients in moments of crisis, but nurses often build relationships with their patients over longer periods of time. It can be rewarding, but it also means you might experience emotional burnout if you're not careful. The emotional side of nursing can be intense, but you're also much more involved in the care process than you were as an EMT or firefighter, which can be deeply fulfilling.
If you want to have a Smooth Transition: Firstly leverage your experience. Your time in EMS already gives you a strong foundation in clinical skills and patient interaction. Highlight that experience during your nursing studies, and take advantage of your practical knowledge in real-life situations.
Nursing school can be heavy on studying and assignments. The ability to keep everything organized—like you do with your shifts in EMS—will help you manage your coursework and clinical rotations.
Just like in EMS, nursing can be intense. Build a solid support network of fellow students, instructors, and even mentors who’ve made the same transition. You’ll need people to lean on during tough moments.
You already know how important self-care is from your EMS days. Don’t forget to keep up with it while in nursing school. The stress is real, and making time for yourself is essential.
Good luck on this exciting new journey, and know that with your background in EMS, you’re already a step ahead in handling high-pressure situations. Hope this helps clear it out.
Connect with Nurses Who Came From EMS. There’s a strong community of people who’ve made this transition. Find some on LinkedIn or other nursing forums. They’ll have some valuable insights and might even offer mentorship.
Look into Nursing Specialties, EMS gives you a broad view of healthcare, but in nursing, you can specialize (ER nurse, ICU nurse, etc.) and often end up in roles that you’re already familiar with. Explore what specialties excite you!
Prepare for the Emotional Side. Nursing will involve a lot of patient connections. If you need emotional tools to cope with tough situations, consider looking into mindfulness, therapy, or other emotional well-being practices that will keep you balanced.
A big leap from Fire/EMS to nursing is often said to be awesome lemme say that. Now, there are a lot of unique experiences that come with this switch, and many people who’ve done it have said it was totally worth it. Here's a bit of a roadmap for what to expect and how to adjust if you want to take it or just curious right now.
First, Pacing. In EMS, you're used to quick decision-making, rapid response, and high-intensity environments. Nursing school can feel slower at first, with a lot more theory and bookwork. The key is just pure patience. You'll be digging deep into medical concepts and nursing protocols, which requires a different rhythm than the adrenaline rush of firefighting or EMS calls.
Then, Hands-On Skills vs. Caregiving. In EMS, you're often reacting to emergencies, giving immediate care, and stabilizing patients. As a nurse, you'll be doing that too, but with a shift toward ongoing care. It's less about the rush of life-saving moments and more about following through—administering treatments, coordinating care, and monitoring patients over time. You’ll be on the front lines, but the job will require more consistency and attention to detail.
Third. The Team Dynamics.. As a firefighter or EMS personnel, you’re used to working in teams under pressure. Nursing also involves teamwork, but you might have to adjust to different dynamics. There’s a stronger emphasis on collaborating with doctors, other nurses, and healthcare providers for longer shifts.
Forth...Emotional Transition. In EMS, you get to see patients in moments of crisis, but nurses often build relationships with their patients over longer periods of time. It can be rewarding, but it also means you might experience emotional burnout if you're not careful. The emotional side of nursing can be intense, but you're also much more involved in the care process than you were as an EMT or firefighter, which can be deeply fulfilling.
If you want to have a Smooth Transition: Firstly leverage your experience. Your time in EMS already gives you a strong foundation in clinical skills and patient interaction. Highlight that experience during your nursing studies, and take advantage of your practical knowledge in real-life situations.
Nursing school can be heavy on studying and assignments. The ability to keep everything organized—like you do with your shifts in EMS—will help you manage your coursework and clinical rotations.
Just like in EMS, nursing can be intense. Build a solid support network of fellow students, instructors, and even mentors who’ve made the same transition. You’ll need people to lean on during tough moments.
You already know how important self-care is from your EMS days. Don’t forget to keep up with it while in nursing school. The stress is real, and making time for yourself is essential.
Good luck on this exciting new journey, and know that with your background in EMS, you’re already a step ahead in handling high-pressure situations. Hope this helps clear it out.
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Thank you so much for the valuable insight. I have definitely struggled with not feeling stimulated during class and feeling held back in these level one clinicals so seeing a valid comparison is refreshing and motivating.
Audry
Absolutely, Audry, I’m so glad it resonated with you. Let me say that feeling of being “understimulated” in early clinicals is so common for folks coming from fast-paced, high-impact roles like EMS, and suddenly after being in the thick of things you are sitting through lectures or basic procedures that feel… underwhelming. But honestly, That depth you’re craving is coming don't worry. Nursing school starts slow, but it builds into something really meaningful, especially when you start applying your EMS instincts in a more long-term care setting. So remember that you’re not behind but you’re just ahead in a different way. IThank you for your beautiful feedback and kind words. Keep leaning into that experience Audry I am sure you are going to do amazing.
Dr H