Is Your Personality More EMT or Nursing?

By: Teresa McGlothlin
Estimated Completion Time
5 min
Is Your Personality More EMT or Nursing?
Image: ER Productions Limited / DigitalVision / Getty Images Plus

About This Quiz

It takes a special kind of person to work in any medical field. From surgeons to nursing assistants, dealing with patient needs requires a certain disposition. During this quiz, we are going to try to figure out if you would make a better nurse or a better EMT based upon the kind of person you are. The way you handle yourself under the pressure of our questions will go a long way toward finding out. 

Because you're here, we are going to go ahead and assume that you have the stomach for things like bodily fluids, needles and patients who try your patience. With this in mind, we are going to dig as deeply as we can into the little parts of your personality that lend themselves to being either an EMT or a nurse. While both professions require a lot of training, it's the way you handle yourself that will tell which one is right for you. 

Reach for your scrubs or your gloves, and answer as quickly as you can. Both nurses and EMTs have to think on their feet, and seeing how your personality holds up will tell the tale of where you belong in the medical field. Will you ride in an ambulance or keep the hospital ward running?

Do you have a current CPR certification?
I'll have to check the expiration date.
It is current.
I need to become CPR certified.
I really need to get recertified.

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You see someone collapse at the mall - what do you do?
I run over and check their pulse.
I call 911.
I would yell for someone to call 911.
I would run over and assess the situation.

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Would you prefer to wear scrubs or a uniform?
I prefer wearing a uniform.
Scrubs are really comfortable.
I would prefer to wear jeans.
I don't mind wearing either for work.

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Where would you stash an extra first aid kit?
I have one in my car.
I keep one at my desk.
I need to get a first aid kit.
I carry band-aids everywhere I go.

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Which part of a hospital would you prefer to work in?
Pediatrics
Surgery
Adminstration
Emergency

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One of your patients is being difficult - how do you handle it?
I try to make them laugh.
I don't take it personally.
I ask them to behave.
I try to sympathize with their condition.

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Are you able to spend long hours on your feet?
I wouldn't like that very much.
I do it all the time.
I prefer to be able to sit down to work.
I like being able to move around.

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Do you get queasy when you see someone throw up?
It doesn't bother me.
It depends what they've eaten.
It does make me queasy.
Other fluids bother me more than blood.

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Why would you like to work in medicine?
The medical field has good benefits.
I like taking care of people.
It pays well.
I like making a difference in the world.

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How often do you wash your hands?
I wash them after I use the bathroom.
I am constantly washing my hands.
I've never paid attention to that.
I wash them at least 10 times a day.

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EMTs and nurses use a lot of math - how are your math skills?
It's not my strongest area.
I have great math skills.
I carry a calculator.
As long as it's not mental long division, I'm good.

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Are you a good record keeper?
I could get better at that.
I'm highly organized.
I do my best.
Good record keeping is important.

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Would you have a problem working the overnight shift?
I prefer to work days.
I like working night shift.
I could do it once in a while.
If that's what the job requires, I'll do it.

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You've cut your finger while doing dishes - what is the first thing you do?
First, I get a little queasy.
I put compression on it.
I run it under cold water.
I grab a paper towel and seal it up.

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How would you relieve the stress that comes with your medical job?
I would work out when I felt stressed.
I would leave my job at work.
I would meditate.
I would take a lot of vacations.

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What do you admire most about nurses?
Nurses are caring.
Nurses are highly skilled.
Nurses put up with a lot.
Nurses keep hospitals running.

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Do you tend to think with your heart or with your head?
I swing from one to the other.
I tend to think with my heart more.
I think with my stomach more.
I am logical in every situation.

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One of your coworkers is sick - how do you stay well?
I tell my coworker to stay home.
I would wear a mask.
I avoid them.
I would use a lot of hand sanitizer.

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Could you handle being a police officer?
I wouldn't mind trying it out.
I don't have the temperament for that.
It's too dangerous for me.
I would make a better detective.

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Do you prefer to work indoors or outdoors?
I don't have a preference.
I prefer working indoors.
I like to change it up.
I really like being outdoors more.

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Doctors are known for terrible handwriting - what is your handwriting like?
My handwriting is horrible.
I have pretty handwriting.
I can read it!
It's not perfect, but it's legible.

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A friend goes into labor in your living room - what do you do?
I would call their doctor.
I would coach their breathing.
I would get some towels.
I think I would get them to the hospital ASAP!

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Which of your traits do you think is best suited to be an EMT?
Reliability
Compassion
Empathy
Willingness to learn

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Are you able to take orders from a superior?
I do not like being bossed around.
It comes with the job.
I prefer to be the superior.
I know my place in the food chain.

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How would you keep yourself healthy for a nursing or an EMT job?
I would work out every day.
I would watch my diet.
I would do yoga.
I would keep myself in reasonable shape.

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If your partner were sick, how would you care for them?
I would make soup for them.
I would make them go to the doctor.
I would keep my distance.
I would make sure they took their medicine.

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What kind of driver are you during rush hour?
I get nervous during rush hour traffic.
I'm relaxed and careful.
Rush hour traffic makes me aggressive.
I am a courteous driver during heavy traffic.

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Would you prefer to work with children, adults or the elderly?
The elderly are very wise.
I like working with all kinds of people.
Kids are my thing.
I prefer working with adults.

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You are the first on the scene of an auto accident - how do you react?
I call 911 immediately.
I pull over and make sure everyone is OK.
I pull over and wait for the police.
I jump out and start directing traffic.

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Would you have an interest in becoming a surgeon someday?
I would love the chance!
It requires too much schooling for me.
My hands are not that steady.
It's something to think about.

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You Got: