Need HCE advice, feeling discouraged

[ambear]

I need advice on what to do about getting HCE for PA school.

 

In 2014 I graduated college with a B.S in Biology. I decided my senior year that I wanted to become a PA, so after I graduated I started taking classes to get my EMT-B and got certified at the end of 2014. I started applying for jobs at the beginning of January. I've applied to over 15 jobs now including EMT-B jobs, ER tech jobs , patient care technician jobs, medical assistant jobs (also ones that don't require certification), patient care specialist jobs and scribe jobs. Unfortunately in Georgia there aren't as many EMT-B jobs, which I guess I should of researched more before choosing to get EMT certified. 

 

I've gotten a couple of rejections, but I've heard nothing from other jobs. Should I keep applying to more jobs, or does it normally take a while to hear back? The jobs I applied for are still shown as available. I just really need a job lol. 

 

Should I try to get more certifications, or try volunteering at community clinics to try to get more experience? I have a lot shadowing experience and volunteer experience at hospitals, but I really need/want to get paid direct HCE hours. 

 

Any advice would be appreciated!!! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[EMEDPA]

try volunteering as an emt to get some experience and they may lead to a paid job down the line. option 2: get your emt-intermediate or medic and then it will be much easier to get an EMS job.

[ambear]

Thank you for the advice. Unfortunately option 1 isn't a possibility in Georgia because the only volunteer EMT jobs that I know of in Georgia is at Emory and for Emory students only. 

[ThomasR]

Check the specific requirements for ER Tech jobs in your area. You'll find some hospitals prefer Medics while others have no preference between Medics and EMTs. Volunteer in those that have no preference and network your way around. Getting to know the ER director is your door in. In the mean time, it'll also help if you obtain additional certifications like Phlebotomy & EKG (usually 2-4 week classes).

 

If you do get a call make yourself as available as possible because some hospitals have high turnover rates for ER Techs.

[lab14]

I know several people who started out at scribes in local ER's and that way they got their foot in the door, became familiar with the hospital/flow, and the staff. In our hospital, the ER head nurse was the one who did the hiring of the ER Tech's, so once they saw how you performed as a scribe (hardworking, professional, etc), they were then able to switch over to the tech role easier.

[ambear]

Okay thank you for the help!

[Colorado]

I remember when I was first applying to EMT jobs. Having been on both sides (assisting with hiring and being the applicant), it can be frustrating not to get feedback from applications. Many times EMT and ER Tech positions are inundated with MANY applicants. Our hospital's most recent job opening offered to the public had over 50 applications in just 3 days. It can take weeks to sort through applicants and respond to them, so don't give up hope on those you haven't heard from. Keep an eye on when the job posting closes. If its been a few weeks, a phone call to ask if they are still considering applicants is justified. I got my foot in the door, so to speak, by working for one of the larger nationwide ambulance companies. I worked hard and managed to be paired with great medics onto an ALS unit within the first month on the job, with a mix of 911 calls and BLS/ALS transfers. While I was waiting to hear back from my application process to the company, I became IV certified and took a comprehensive 12 lead EKG course.

 

Just a plug for entry level EMT jobs......

People frequently downplay the role that being on an ALS transfer rig can play in developing your knowledge base. I started on an ALS transfer rig (SNF to hospital, ER to ER, ER to inpatient, hospital to home/SNF/hospice) before mixing it up with 911. I think that 911 provides great and often superior opportunities to work on skills, decision making, and pt rapport; however, Pts on transfers can allow you experience with trachs, pain pumps, orthopedic devices, post-op pts, chronic diseases, end-of-life pts and care, medication names/uses etc. I could share many a story of when a "stable" transfer patient quickly turned south. Its all in how you approach patient care. I used to tell new trainees not to let their guard down and to not treat transfer patients as "boring" "waste-of-my-time" etc. Theres a lot to learn from them if you're willing to do so. I stress ALS transfer rig, because I found that BLS transfer rigs are almost exclusively psych, dialysis, and Dr. appointment transfers. Much more to see on the ALS rig.

 

Keep working at it, it may just take a bit of time. Consider working on IV cert and EKG class. Take some classroom or online CE's. Consider volunteering if its available.

[ambear]

Update: I got an interview for a scribing job so we will see how that goes. I'm thinking if I get that job and dont hear back from others I should take it. That way I can get some healthcare experience (even if its not direct patient care) and work on getting more certifications to help me get a job as an EMT or ER tech. Thanks for all the advice.