rmayberry429
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I am new the forum and a new Paramedic Student, starting this fall. I have been an Advanced EMT for like 13 years, and was wondering if anyone might have suggestions for a 40 Y/O who wants to make it happen?
Paramedic Student Advise
- Thread starter rmayberry429
- Start date
Suggestions? Sure:
1. Consider your age an advantage. You have life experience that should help you cope with the challenges ahead.
2. It certainly doesn't hurt to have significant experience as an AEMT, but don't make the mistake of assuming it's enough to get you through the program without working just as hard as everyone else.
3. Speak with your family about the obligations you'll have as a paramedic student and alert them to your more-limited availability. If they're not ok with that, do not pass Go.
4. You're going to face unpleasant clinical and social situations. Embrace the suck. A lot of what will seem crazy at first will become routine with practice.
5. When you have a week when stuff you thought you learned doesn't make sense anymore, and you wonder whether finishing the course is worthwhile, try helping a classmate who's in even worse shape.
6. Use actions, not words, to impress others with your abilities. No one will care about your AEMT war stories. Just be polite, reliable, and competent. That's usually enough.
7. Consider every patient an opportunity to demonstrate your competence, and every preceptor a potential employer.
8. Don't say anything bad about anyone, ever.
9. Don't fall behind on course material.
10. Don't plan vacations until after graduation.
11. Don't blame others for your troubles. Go back and try again.
1. Consider your age an advantage. You have life experience that should help you cope with the challenges ahead.
2. It certainly doesn't hurt to have significant experience as an AEMT, but don't make the mistake of assuming it's enough to get you through the program without working just as hard as everyone else.
3. Speak with your family about the obligations you'll have as a paramedic student and alert them to your more-limited availability. If they're not ok with that, do not pass Go.
4. You're going to face unpleasant clinical and social situations. Embrace the suck. A lot of what will seem crazy at first will become routine with practice.
5. When you have a week when stuff you thought you learned doesn't make sense anymore, and you wonder whether finishing the course is worthwhile, try helping a classmate who's in even worse shape.
6. Use actions, not words, to impress others with your abilities. No one will care about your AEMT war stories. Just be polite, reliable, and competent. That's usually enough.
7. Consider every patient an opportunity to demonstrate your competence, and every preceptor a potential employer.
8. Don't say anything bad about anyone, ever.
9. Don't fall behind on course material.
10. Don't plan vacations until after graduation.
11. Don't blame others for your troubles. Go back and try again.
OP
OP
rmayberry429
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Great advise thanks
If you didn't already start or register (as mentioned your starting in the fall) I'd suggest looking into percom online courses. Your can save Significant amount of time and money since it's online and in addition you'll only have to do the second half so it will cut your school time and work in half.
hometownmedic5
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Advice v. Advise.....
cannonball88
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1. Get to know your classmates, because you'll probably see more of them than your family for a while.
2. If you're going to be looking for a job, consider clinical time the perfect "try before you buy." You see how they work, and they see how you work (so come looking and acting like a professional who they should hire).
3. On clinical sites (or anywhere really), don't gossip to Shift B nurses about Shift A nurses. They are loyal to their least favorite coworkers more than you--you're not their peer.
4. Live a little--you have to take time for yourself when you can, because your mental health is a priority.
5. Being respectful is one thing, sucking up is another. Nobody likes a suck up.
6. It's not all about the paramedicine. Study pharmacology, anatomy, English, and math. All are important skills.
2. If you're going to be looking for a job, consider clinical time the perfect "try before you buy." You see how they work, and they see how you work (so come looking and acting like a professional who they should hire).
3. On clinical sites (or anywhere really), don't gossip to Shift B nurses about Shift A nurses. They are loyal to their least favorite coworkers more than you--you're not their peer.
4. Live a little--you have to take time for yourself when you can, because your mental health is a priority.
5. Being respectful is one thing, sucking up is another. Nobody likes a suck up.
6. It's not all about the paramedicine. Study pharmacology, anatomy, English, and math. All are important skills.