So you’re thinking about a career as a nurse or a paramedic?
Choosing a professional path isn’t always simple!
Choosing the appropriate job requires consideration of your personality, interests, and objectives.
In addition, earning potential, demand for positions, and remuneration must all be considered while picking a vocation.
Nurse Vs Paramedic, Which One Is Better? (Explained)
In short, Nursing is seen to be better since they are higher demand than paramedics, have various career options and it pays better.
Working as a Paramedic or a Nurse involves working shifts and being on your feet for long periods of time. Both jobs are extremely rewarding, but they also need you to cope with high-stress situations.
However, becoming a Registered Nurse necessitates a substantial amount of further education. Nursing is thought to be better than being a Paramedic because Nurses are in more demand, have more career opportunities, and earn more money.
The answer to this question can be found in a person’s interests in one or both of the disciplines.
Both fields can lead to a fulfilling career; nevertheless, your ability to adapt to the domain you choose is critical.
Knowledge of the distinctions between the two disciplines, which will give you a better understanding, is arguably the most effective way to find and pursue your passions.
You may then make the best selections for yourself, taking into consideration job opportunities, pay, and, most significantly, your interests.
Let’s look at what it takes to be a Nurse Vs Paramedic now that we’ve addressed the big question.
So let’s talk about Paramedics
In emergency medical settings, paramedics provide care to the sick or injured.
People’s lives are frequently dependent on these providers’ prompt responses and competent care. EMTs and paramedics respond to medical emergencies by providing medical care and transporting patients to hospitals.
To be nationally recognised as a paramedic, you must first be qualified as an EMT, which requires passing a state-approved EMT course and exam as well as CPR-Basic Life Support certification.
With these documents in hand, you can apply to the National Registry for Emergency Medical Technicians for National Paramedic Certification.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov), the Employment of EMTs and paramedics is projected to grow 11 per cent from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations.
Unfortunately, most paramedics are forced to take a second job or try to earn extra money by working overtime and/or standby shifts because it is very impossible to make a fair living as a paramedic on low pay working only 40 hours per week.
So let’s talk about Nursing
Nursing requires a serious commitment, so if you are compassionate and have the desire to serve the weak and sick, this is the career route for you.
Furthermore, you must be willing to work long hours under stressful situations and prioritise the needs of your patients before your own.
Advanced-degreed nurses are in high demand all around the world, and they can find work in both the private and public sectors quickly. Nurse anaesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners are expected to see a 45 per cent increase in employment from 2020 to 2030, substantially faster than the average for all occupations.
Many people believe that nursing entails providing care to patients.
It is, however, much more than that.
Nurses are increasingly taking on leadership responsibilities in healthcare settings, and they are capable of diagnosing, treating, and managing patients without the assistance of supervisors.
Furthermore, advanced education allows you to specialise in a certain field.
Speciality fields such as Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners
To become a Registered Nurse usually take one of three education paths: a bachelor’s degree in nursing, an associate’s degree in nursing, or a diploma from an approved nursing program. Registered nurses must be licensed.
Anatomy, physiology, microbiology, psychology, and social and behavioural sciences are generally included in nursing education programmes.
Bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) programmes, like those in certain other healthcare and related disciplines, normally take four years to complete; associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) and associate’s degree in science in nursing (ASN) programmes require four years to complete as well.
Nurse Vs Paramedic which is a more difficult job environment?
Both nursing and paramedic work is tough and difficult jobs that come with their own set of challenges.
Hospital nurses are used to caring for a dozen or more patients at a time, whereas paramedics are only responsible for one patient at a time.
Hospital nurses operate in a more structured and secured environment, whereas paramedics provide treatment to patients in a variety of difficult and unstable, and in some cases dangerous, conditions. Hospital nurses have a bigger support structure and a physician on hand, whereas paramedics evaluate and diagnose patients on their own.
What do Nurses do every day?
A registered nurse works as part of a team and is responsible for several responsibilities daily.
They give out medications, manage records, monitor patients, consult with other healthcare experts, and educate patients and their families about health issues.
They oversee orderlies, nursing assistants, and licenced practical nurses in addition to providing direct care to their patients.
A registered nurse can provide care for patients in a variety of conditions, as well as those who have more complex demands.
What do Paramedics do every day?
In emergency medical situations, emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics provide care to the sick and injured.
People’s lives are frequently dependent on these providers’ prompt responses and competent care.
Thanks, EMTs and paramedics respond to medical emergencies by providing medical care and transporting patients to hospitals.
While caring for and moving patients, EMTs and paramedics must do a lot of kneeling, bending, and lifting.
They may be exposed to infections and viruses that are communicable, such as hepatitis B and HIV. Belligerent patients can sometimes damage them.
Following correct safety precautions, such as waiting for authorities to clear an area in a violent scenario or wearing gloves when working with a patient, can lessen these hazards.
EMTs and paramedics that are paid well work full-time. Some employees work above 40 hours per week.
EMTs and paramedics may be required to work overnight and on weekends in the event of an emergency.
EMTs and paramedics sometimes work 12- or 24-hour shifts.
Work schedules for volunteer EMTs and paramedics are unpredictable. They may, for example, only work a few days per week.
Related Articles
- Medical School Hard? (Explained)
- Nursing: 7 Things You Need to Know (for students)
- Biomedical Science vs Nursing, Which Is Better? (Explained)
Nurse or Paramedic, who earns more? (Explained)
Nurses Practitioners earn more than Paramedic, with the median wage of a Nurse Practitioner $117,670 compared to $36,650
However, wages will vary on the number of years of experience, geographical location, etc.
How much do Nurses earn?
According to US Labor Bureau and Statistics, the median annual wage for nurse anaesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners was $117,670 per year in 2020.
| Job Role | Median Wage / Per Annum |
| Nurse Practitioners, Nurse Anesthetists, Midwives | $117,670 |
| Registered Nurse | $75,330 |
The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.
The lowest 10 per cent earned less than $82,460, and the highest 10 per cent earned more than $184,180.
Median annual wages for nurse anaesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners in May 2019 were as follows:
| Nurse anaesthetists | $183,580 |
| Nurse practitioners | $111,680 |
| Nurse-midwives | $111,130 |
In May 2020, the median annual wages for nurse anaesthetists, nurse midwives, and nurse practitioners in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:
| Hospitals; state, local, and private | $124,660 |
| Outpatient care centres | $122,840 |
| Offices of physicians | $114,570 |
| Offices of other health practitioners | $111,610 |
| Educational services; state, local, and private | $111,400 |
Source; Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners: Occupational Outlook Handbook: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov)
How much do Paramedics earn?
The median annual wage for EMTs and paramedics was $36,650 in May 2020. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 per cent earned less than $24,650, and the highest 10 per cent earned more than $62,150.
In May 2020, the median annual wages for EMTs and paramedics in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:
| Hospitals; state, local, and private | $38,640 |
| Local government, excluding education and hospitals | $38,580 |
| Ambulance services | $34,250 |
Source: MTs and Paramedics: Occupational Outlook Handbook:: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov)
Final Thoughts
Working as a paramedic or a nurse entails working shifts and being on your feet.
Both jobs entailed dealing with high-stress circumstances. Unlike paramedics, nurses have a wider range of job opportunities.
However, although becoming a Registered Nurse requires a significant amount of further study. Nursing is seen to be better since they are higher demand than paramedics, have various career options and it pays better.
Choosing a career path is a significant decision.
Before settling on a job or career, examine yourself and learn your skills and limitations, just like you would with any other vocation.
Related Articles
- Pharmacy Vs Nursing, Which One Should I Study? (Explained)
- Law Vs Psychology, Which One Should I Study? (Solved & Explained)
- Nursing Harder Than Teaching? (Explained)
References
- Source; Nurse Anesthetists, Nurse Midwives, and Nurse Practitioners: Occupational Outlook Handbook: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov)
- EMTs and Paramedics: Occupational Outlook Handbook:: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov)
