First Combination Bachelor of Nursing Degrees/EMT-Intermediate Certifications Conferred in Austria

The first cohort of students have completed the Bachelor of Nursing Science program at Austria's University of Applied Sciences in St. Pölten. Some students also graduated as Emergency Medical Technician-Intermediate. The six-semester program offers a regular Austria Nursing Law Bachelor and an “academic program for prehospital care and nursing,” according to the Austrian Paramedic Law. Related JEMS Article: Austrian University Adds EMS Training to Bachelor of Nursing Degree Nurse paramedics are quite common in European countries such as Spain, Norway, Netherlands, Sweden and Finland. In Austria, the combined program is groundbreaking. Prof. Dr. Christoph Redelsteiner, dean of the Master of Social Work Program and a U.S.-trained paramedic with Germany and Austrian licenses initiated the new study scheme. “EMS is a highly fast and rapid decision-making process, applying structured assessment schemes,” Redlesteiner says, “Nursing has a more holistic approach and develops mid- and long-term care plans. Combining both worlds into a training is a great advancement for both professions.” Only about 10% of EMS runs in Austria are emergencies, most calls are “sick” calls or request for assistance that require more skills in nursing assessment and care. The future goal is to let these nurse paramedics work especially in rural areas or treat-and-release settings alongside family doctors and social workers. The curriculum also includes the international standardi...
Source: JEMS Special Topics - Category: Emergency Medicine Authors: Tags: Training News Exclusive Articles Source Type: news