Opinions on paramedics working in the ER? If you have them do they float in the department or take an assignment? Ours take an assignment but we would rather them float since the Charge Nurse has to cover them

A lot of medics work in the ED! Adult and peds ED's have them. We have them in our ED and they can take assignments, triage, rove/stat around to cover breaks, help out in the traumas/codes/deteriorations. Ours have a huge scope in our ED actually!

An all RN staff works best in civilian hospitals. Hospitals are always looking for ways to cut money and not pay for the expertise

I do not fully understand the question. Are you assigning paramedics patients just as you would a nurse? Then the charge nurse had to sign behind them?

They’re assigned because they can’t step out if their scope of practice because what they can do in the field is very different than what they can do in the hospital ER settings.

I misunderstood your question.. sorry. I think they should have an assignment as well as float, as an assignment in the ED.

We did not have paramedics as staff in any of my ER’s. Think they bring essential clinical skills to the ER environment but they are not nurses and they would be problematic if they are floated. That is my opinion… no evidence to support my belief.

Float.. loved them working with us in the ED!

I personally support paramedics in the ED. This is a great opportunity for them to have career options and hopefully make a bit more money- they are woefully under paid.