What is the difference between an EMT and RN?

EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) and Registered Nurse (RN) are both healthcare professionals who provide medical care, but they have different roles and responsibilities.

EMT:

- Provides emergency medical care in pre-hospital settings, such as accidents, injuries, and medical emergencies.

- Typically the first medical professionals on the scene of an emergency.

- Performs basic medical procedures such as CPR, wound care, and oxygen administration.

- Transports patients to hospitals or other medical facilities.

- May work for ambulance services, fire departments, or other emergency response organizations.

RN:

- Provides nursing care in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and other healthcare settings.

- Assess patients' health, administer medications, and monitor vital signs.

- Develop and implement nursing care plans.

- Educate patients and their families about health conditions and treatments.

- Work closely with doctors, other nurses, and healthcare team members.

In summary, EMTs provide emergency medical care in out-of-hospital settings, while RNs provide ongoing nursing care in healthcare facilities. Both professions play crucial roles in the healthcare system, but their responsibilities and work environments are quite different.