answeringthecall

Hello all, Thank you for having me here! I am a first year student (although I'm 26 and already have a humanities degree and some work experience) and have done the first year of both the Paramedic bachelors degree and a Bachelor of Nursing (in New Zealand). As I can only stretch myself so far (damnit!), I am going to have to choose now which degree to continue with and career to pursue. The only type of nursing I would want to do is Emergency Nursing. I am on nursing placement now in a general ward and find it quite boring. I love emergency medicine. The advantage I see in Paramedic is that you get to make your own clinical decisions (in NZ, a Paramedic makes their own clinical choices within the scope of their level of practice - I don't know what it is like elsewhere. If an Advanced Paramedic needs to give midaz, for example, they do it - they don't have to ask anyone). You aren't sitting around waiting for a doctor to tell you to do something you already know you should do. On the other hand, I really like the environment of the Emergency Department and the variety you see there (I was an ED receptionist for two years, so I know what I'm talking about). I've pretty much decided to choose Paramedic to be honest, but I know people here have had all sorts of experiences in the medical field and I would love to hear some opinions and thoughts on the pros and cons of paramedicine vs ED nursing. Thanks all :-)

Hi all, I just wanted to say thank you to Kiwimedic for the great and comprehensive information on the system in NZ. As a new student paramedic in NZ, I found it quite clarifying! (as much as things can be clarified at this point...). My understanding is that St John will soon be adopting a BLS-ILS-ALS type system as opposed to the current PC1/2, AO, Paramedic, Upskilled Paramedic, AP system they currently use. I have just finished the first year of my paramedic degree at AUT in Auckland and am about to transfer to Whitireia in Wellington for the completing two years. I am very curious to see how Welly Free compares to St J, particularly in terms of culture. I get the impression that Welly Free is a little more... progressive? Anyway, it will be interesting to compare the experience of both major ambulance employers in NZ. Anyway, thanks again Kiwimedic, I actually found the overview quite helpful :-) P.S. NZ is a great place to live and a pretty good place to be employed as a paramedic. Two good reasons to move here I reckon, let alone the adventure of experiencing a new country! :-)