Paramedic or Nurse?

[Serin]

DS is torn between the two.

I think he is drawn to the Paramedic route as he is very outdoorsy and likes the thought of moving around and dealing with lots of different situations (and blue lights!).

However he feels that nursing provides a better career path, with more opportunities eg research, practitioner roles, practice nurse roles, even military possibilities. He also feels that nursing qualifications are more recognised internationally should he wish to go off travelling?

He is doing work experience/voluntary work on a medical ward and loves it. He also has a weeks "try uni" event booked over the summer holidays aimed at those considering professions related to medicine.

Any perspectives from those working in either field would be very welcome. He is applying for 2019.

Haha not on nitrous. Why do u think it isn’t good? I think it is amazing. Certainly better than a nurse in the present environment.

Typo difficult not different.

Thanks, There's a lot for him to think about here.

Nursing30Plusyears; I think three long shifts and the fact that he will be on his feet all day "doing something" is actually very appealing to him. He is totally hyperactive, this weekend he has rowed 14miles, cycled 60 miles and fitted in two 8 hours shifts at McDonalds. I think the 3 long shifts rota would suit him very well (as he could still pursue sports on his days off)....probably as would military life.

He has applied to both the Royal Navy and the Army for their student nurse roles, we have been warned that the places are highly fought over but he should have as good a chance as anyone else I guess.

I think dentistry would kill him if he had to stand by a chair all day, I don't think he would appreciate all the report writing in OT and the shift pattern for physio seems to be 8.30 to 4.30 five days a week.

It's definitely either Nursing or Paramedic at Uni if he doesn't get accepted into the forces.

Great decision to have a go. Hope he gets accepted.

Has he considered diagnostic radiography?

As the pp has suggested- what about diagnostic radiography?

Diverse career opportunities. X-ray, CT, Theatre and with further studies MRI, Ultrasound, nuclear medicine.

Shifts completely vary between hospitals but a mix of nights, weekends, days, long days.

Band 5 starting wage. Possible to study via the military route.

I considered radiography on his behalf but he doesn't seem too keen!! I think he wants to develop a bit more of a relationship with the patients.
QueenJane; That's a really good point about giving someone dedicated time. I hope you are very happy in your new role.

Daughter recently qualified as a nurse. We both got annoyed at the idea that she 'could aim higher ' ....3 B's and tough interviews for uni. Considered forces application but decided not to restrict herself.
Thoroughly enjoyed course at sporty, campus uni.
4 interviews, 4 job offers, now working for trauma dept of major London hospital. Loves it, loves the team work, loves the 3 long days.
Happy for now but future considerations include forces or aid work overseas.
Interestingly she is already earning more than her older graduate siblings!

Zadoc Do you min asking which uni your daughter went to? it sounds like it would suit him well. He currently likes the look of Stirling/Oxford Brookes (due to sports facilities) and Bangor due to proximity of Snowdonia.

Hello, been a while and just wondering what he decided to do?

I’m in the same predicament now and it’s been very interesting to read!!

I had a friend at uni who had been a paediatric nurse, but always wanted to be a paramedic. However, you couldn’t drive an ambulance until X age, so she nursed and then retrained as a paramedic. Not sure if there is still the age rule and driving ambulances? Anyhow, during uni she would pick up bank nurse shifts so kept her hand in. We last spoke/in contact and she was moving to be a health visitor as it was more flexible with kids.

Not sure if she was an exception, but has had two great careers and able to convert to a third.

@Thomas010402 you should get MN to edit your post as your email is open to all.

I’ve reported it too as you may be sleeping.

@Kiz16 Sorry, only just seen your post.
He chose nursing in the end and is in his final year now. He loves it and feels like he made the right choice. I think both are great careers, good luck with whatever you decide.