So it was around January of this year that I finished and passed my EMT-B course, but it wasn't until last month that I finally took my NREMT. I passed the test first time, honestly expecting to fail because I hadn't gone over much in god knows how long, although it was much easier then I expected, especially compared to the difficulty of my class. But fact of the matter is i'm not feeling prepared to do the job. I have been rereading the book and going over my skills, but I would feel much more comfortable getting some hands on experience again. Should I take a refresher course? Any suggestions?
Newly licensed EMT-B, what should I do?
- Thread starter lbas412
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Did your class have a clinical portion?
You could see if a local service will let you do some ride alongs to get back into the emt mindset.
Volunteering is also an option in some places.
most Basic classes aren't designed to produce fully functioning competent emts. It gives you the base knowledge that you expand upon through experience, ceus, and whatever else you choose.
codethree
Forum Crew Member
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Studying your material and continueing to learn new things is great! Although your books cant teach field experience. Thats just something you have to get into and learn on your own. There will come a time when you get a call and you freeze, you dont know what to do and that is normal. Keep up what you are doing and good luck!
bill williams
Forum Crew Member
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Get into a different career if you want to make a decent living.
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That's not what he asked at all...I'm getting real tired of all the negative attitudes around here, no wonder so many people in EMS are burnt out, its a negative work environment...maybe a vacation is in order.
OP a refresher is an option, you could also take some college science classes or, god forbid, some alphabet soup classes to make your app look better to companies you apply to.
Achilles
Forum Moron
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When I was younger I was taught if you don't have anything nice to say don't say it at all.
You sir should get a gold star!
To the OP, maybe try volunteering in an local hospital for a little bit. Or even maybe a refresher course.
RocketMedic
Californian, Lost in Texas
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If you're young and fit, you may want to consider the military, either in a reserve or active component. It's what you make of it, and even the National Guard can be a gamechanger in terms of furthering your education and profession.
Tigger
Dodges Pucks
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It took me a year to get hired on an ambulanceafter getting my license as a result of a change in location. In the interim I worked (and still do) as a student-athletic trainer. They require us to be EMTs but honestly I did not use my EMT "skills" all that often. In any case when I started working on a truck it came back to me in about two days. I think you're not giving yourself enough credit for what you retain. Just go try and get a paid position, you'll get your hands on experience in the first few days.