personal statement-advice appreciated

[tiff]

Beads of sweat percolated to the surface of my skin, the dizziness quickly followed.  “This isn’t good,” I thought to myself.  Next the shaking began as my skin cooled from the sweat.  I was trying to keep my composure so the patient couldn’t tell something was wrong.  The laceration was very minor on her fifth finger and I was attempting to clean it so the physician could suture the wound.  I’d only been working in the Emergency Room (ER) for a couple weeks.  “What have I gotten myself into?  Will I be able to handle this?”  I questioned myself with frustration.  Blood was never my forte, but I knew I couldn’t let something so little discourage me.  I had to address this right away if I was going to thrive in the ER.  Facing my fears head-on, I planted my eyes on every laceration, abrasion, fracture, abscess, burn, and hematoma that entered the ER doors.  Wound care readily became my favorite task.  I actually found that bandaging is a form of art; I took pride in my work.  Those undaunted efforts turned one of my biggest challenges into my best asset.  As I bloomed in the ER for the next four years, I discovered a passion I never knew.  I delved into physician’s brains as often as possible, became familiar with lab values and x-ray images, and I attempted to be a part of every patient’s experience in the ER. Undoubtedly, I knew I wanted to provide a higher level of care than I could as a patient care assistant.  I attended Winona State University to obtain my biology degree, but continued to travel home to work in the place I loved the most.  Unfortunately, the combination of work, personal obligations, and the commute back and forth took a toll on my academics.  After reevaluating my plans, I moved back home and enrolled in a paramedic program.

 

During paramedic school, the small town ER I was working in expanded and brought in a new group of physicians and physician assistants (PA).  Working intimately with these PAs gave me a deeper understanding of their profession.   What I find appealing about PAs is they have the ability to operate autonomously to provide a higher level of care, but still work hand-in-hand with physicians.  As a paramedic I am taught to think critically and provide treatments based on my assessments, under physician-approved protocols.  I find that paramedics parallel PAs on a smaller scale.  PAs also work collaboratively with a team of health care providers, much like I do as a paramedic. However, I am limited in the level of care I can provide and I am left telling my patients, “…the staff will take great care of you from here.”  I am no longer part of the patient’s diagnosis or treatment.  An important relationship is built during the short time I’m with my patient.  My compassion, confidence, and willingness to listen gains unequivocal trust that shouldn’t end at the ER doors.  Becoming a PA allows me to provide a higher level of care and assure my patients that I will continue to take great care of them.  I am certain that my experiences as an emergency medical provider have prepared me for the challenging, yet rewarding career as a PA.

 

My first shift in the ER started me on a journey of dedicating the last seven years of my life to the care of patients.  That dedication has never weakened, as I recently became certified as a critical care paramedic.  Furthermore, I have helped others care for patients by extending my knowledge and experience in the classroom.  Working as an adjunct instructor for the paramedic program not only aids the students but also provides me with the ability to stay current on new research, technology, and treatments.  This follows me outside of the classroom where I precept students and new paramedics in the field.  Additionally, I have assembled and directed trainings for First Responders, EMTs, and Paramedics, accommodating each level of service, for a fire department.  For two consecutive years I attended the Cadaver Anatomy and Procedure (CAP) Lab at Wright State University in Kettering, Ohio. Participating in the CAP Lab offered me exceptional experience in high-risk-low-frequency procedures, gross anatomy, and detailed assessment skills.    

 

While operating as a critical care paramedic has brought me great satisfaction, my unwavering commitment to become a PA has inspired me to return as a full-time student to the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire.  I have faced many challenges that are incorporated with working full-time hours while also advancing my education, utilizing my time-management skills to the fullest extent.  Furthermore, I truly acknowledge the importance of my certifications and have continued to stay licensed in them throughout my active schedule. My enthusiasm, maturity, and hard work have made me a better patient advocate and health care provider. I look forward to my continued growth and opportunities as a physician assistant.