adamNYC
Forum Lieutenant
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So I got EMT certified last month. I work at a Skilled Nursing Facility. Been doing so for the last 3 years as CNA for the Rehab Dept. My job is mainly ambulation of pts and I've done some PRN work as regular CNA as well.
I've gotten shoulder surgery a few months ago and still cannot lift heavy yet, and can't work on an ambulance.
What I did not expect is that I'm getting some emergency experience at the SNF that I work. When I hear about an emergency over the PA, I rush there no matter where I am or what I'm doing. I flip my CNA badge to my EMT badge, and I assist in any way I can.
I've gotten to do vitals (both auto and manual BPs) listen to lung sounds, cardiac arrest (got to do CPR ventilate w/ BVM) bleeding control from a fall, and the others were mostly difficulty breathing/SOB pts.
I'm learning that FFs arrive at not only cardiac arrests, but also chest pains, SOBs, unconscious, etc. I've seen them be helpful (especially at a cardiac arrest) and other times, especially for one medical call, not of much help. At another medical call, I could tell one or more of them were EMTs because they actually got a BP, listened to lung sounds, etc.
I've also seen basic emergency mistakes by staff members: trying to put a nasal cannula when I'm trying to bag a pt. Or the RT doing continuous ventilations during CPR instead of the 30:2. Oh and the RT didn't know what an OPA was (WTF!?) And even my mistake of not hooking up the AED as fast as I should have. It wasn't until FF arrived that they handled the AED.
Oftentimes the nurses will leave once FD/EMS gets there and I'm often left with them asking me questions. I only regret I could not answer all of them. I'll be getting more info about pt history when the next emergency happens. Also, when FD/EMS get there I observe what they do and try to learn as best I can.
None of the staff, nurses, RTs, or management had a problem with my presence, appreciated the help, and commended me for my work.
Not trying to toot my own horn but if you work at a SNF and are an EMT definitely attend emergencies if you are available and management/staff doesn't mind.
These emergencies are the #1 thing I look forward to every day. I also carry on me some basic supplies in a waist pack: scope, BP cuff, shears, dressings, saline flushes, alcohol prep pads, etc.
I've gotten shoulder surgery a few months ago and still cannot lift heavy yet, and can't work on an ambulance.
What I did not expect is that I'm getting some emergency experience at the SNF that I work. When I hear about an emergency over the PA, I rush there no matter where I am or what I'm doing. I flip my CNA badge to my EMT badge, and I assist in any way I can.
I've gotten to do vitals (both auto and manual BPs) listen to lung sounds, cardiac arrest (got to do CPR ventilate w/ BVM) bleeding control from a fall, and the others were mostly difficulty breathing/SOB pts.
I'm learning that FFs arrive at not only cardiac arrests, but also chest pains, SOBs, unconscious, etc. I've seen them be helpful (especially at a cardiac arrest) and other times, especially for one medical call, not of much help. At another medical call, I could tell one or more of them were EMTs because they actually got a BP, listened to lung sounds, etc.
I've also seen basic emergency mistakes by staff members: trying to put a nasal cannula when I'm trying to bag a pt. Or the RT doing continuous ventilations during CPR instead of the 30:2. Oh and the RT didn't know what an OPA was (WTF!?) And even my mistake of not hooking up the AED as fast as I should have. It wasn't until FF arrived that they handled the AED.
Oftentimes the nurses will leave once FD/EMS gets there and I'm often left with them asking me questions. I only regret I could not answer all of them. I'll be getting more info about pt history when the next emergency happens. Also, when FD/EMS get there I observe what they do and try to learn as best I can.
None of the staff, nurses, RTs, or management had a problem with my presence, appreciated the help, and commended me for my work.
Not trying to toot my own horn but if you work at a SNF and are an EMT definitely attend emergencies if you are available and management/staff doesn't mind.
These emergencies are the #1 thing I look forward to every day. I also carry on me some basic supplies in a waist pack: scope, BP cuff, shears, dressings, saline flushes, alcohol prep pads, etc.
