Jobs in Harrisonburg, VA

[RIPlittleones]

I took my NREMT on the 27th, and just found out on the 30th that I passed. I currently live in Vegas, but would really like to find employment in Harrisonburg, VA (that is where my daughters live). Can anyone tell me the best way to go about a job search in another state?

Any advice would be appreciated.

J

 

[MMiz]

Retitled and moved to EMS Employment.

 

[throcktharock]

Depends on how far you want to drive...in Harrisonburg there is a volunteer rescue squad (which obviously doesn't pay the bills) and a career fire department. Rockingham County Fire and Rescue is the closest, and somewhat surrounds the city of Harrisonburg. South of the city is Augusta County Fire Rescue and Staunton Augusta Rescue Squad, which are both combination departments. North is Winchester Fire and Rescue, and all of the large departments in Northern Virginia (Fairfax City/County, Arlington, Loudoun, Alexandria, etc.)

You may have better luck working in the hospital, which is a fairly new hospital... Sentara Rockingham Memorial Hospital. With any Sentara Hospital, there is usually a Medical Transport base nearby (Sentara's private ambulances).

Currently I have no idea which of these is hiring.

Hope this helps!

 

[throcktharock]

And the best way to start is to research those places, figure out what you are looking for and start applying. Depending on the place, you may have to make more than one trip out here for the hiring process, (CPAT, Interview, Polygraph, etc).

It may be worth talking to HR, explaining that you live across the country. Maybe they can combine parts of the process for you, to limit your out of pocket expenses. Flying gets expensive.

 

[46Young]

Valley Health is a hospital based IFT EMS organization, which is under Valley Regional Enterprises. They have shifts in Luray, Woodstock, and Front Royal, as well as Winchester off exit 310 on I-81, Harrisonburg being exit 247 or so IIRC . Pay is appropriate for the area, and management treats their employees really well. The equipment and training are also well above average. Plenty of work available, as they've been expanding for some time. There are also plans, within the next year, to run back-up 911 for local fire departments, and possibly regular work in that area if all goes well.

I would go with them full time, and then try to get hired with the local 911 employer PT, or vice versa. PM me if you want more info.

Are you open to fire based EMS? If so, realize that the municipal pay in the Shenandoah Valley is rather low, compared to Northern Virginia. For example, in Front Royal, the fire dept. expects you to provide (buy) your own bunker gear! I've never heard of that before.

 

[46Young]

http://www.valleyhealthlink.com/jobsearch

You'll see a number of openings for EMT's, EMT-I's, and paramedics. The openings are mainly due to expansion; most attrition is due to people leaving to go to a fire department or nursing, which is typical for EMS, nothing particularly concerning.

 

[RIPlittleones]

Thanks for the info

Sorry for the late response, I've just been busy with interviews at some of the Casinos here in Las Vegas (just in case it takes a bit longer than expected to find a position in Harrisonburg).

Anyway, I really do appreciate the responses, and I'll check into all of the places that were suggested. I am also curious as to whether or not any of you have heard about a company called Priority Patient Transport? I came across them on the internet, and their site says that they're taking applications for EMT-Bs, EMT-Is, and Paramedics ( btw yes, I am aware that "We're always taking applications usually means that those apps will sit in a file cabinet and never be seen by anyone-but hey, you never know, right .

Just grasping for straws here, I guess. I try to fly out and see my daughters whenever possible, but its drained my savings out. I'm just really hoping to find a job in or around Harrisonburg so I can see them more.