Deadliftyourspirits Posted January 20, 2012 Share Posted January 20, 2012 Along with many here I'm in the same boat of chipping away pre-reqs and trying to accumulate some good HCE. I've been a volly EMT-B for 6+ months and work a desk job, however, I've been hopelessly trying to replace this desk job with any kind of hospital experience for almost a year now. After many failed apps I have finally received an interview for my [short term] dream job: ER Tech. My EMT exp. got me the initial call from HR and I'm pretty sure reaching out to my best friend's mom (vet RN at the hospital) clinched me the interview. My background aside, I was wondering if anyone here could chime in with some general tips, advice, words of wisdom, humor, etc. - basically anything that could help me prepare for my interview. I've checked other forums already and I'll be sure to ask people I already know that are/have been ER Techs, but I wanted to see what PAF'ers had to say. TIA (thanks in advance, not transient ischemic attack - lame, I know) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Just Steve Posted January 20, 2012 Share Posted January 20, 2012 Know your role/job expectations. Through the EMT educational experience I'd bet serious money that you were exposed to instructors who truly felt that Emergency Medical Technicians were the solution the woes of the injured person. aka: super heroes. I subscribe to that belief, being one myself. However...in the ER, the role of EMT transitions from "arrive on scene, take charge, save lives" to "follow the orders/directions of the RNs/docs" or something like that. Be eager to work, eager to learn, eager to step in and help, be eager to support the team. Leading the team will come later in your medical career. Good luck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deadliftyourspirits Posted January 20, 2012 Author Share Posted January 20, 2012 I'm more than eager to get out of the desk and into scrubs. Thank you for the advice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderator EMEDPA Posted January 21, 2012 Moderator Share Posted January 21, 2012 repeat after me: " I am willing to do anything I can to make the department run smoothly and any tasks you want to train me for I am happy to learn. I can work anytime you need me to including nights, weekends, and holidays". I worked 24-26 hrs/week for 4 yrs as an er tech during college and full time(60 + hrs/week) summers. this was invaluable experience and really helped in pa school. I already knew a lot about pharmacology, minor procedures, surgical assistaing, etc. hopefully you will get to do all of the following: brief hx taking with vital signs phlebotomy im injections( at least tetanus) splinting/wound bandaging minor surgical assisting pt transport urine testing minor lab procedures(strep/mono/etc) labeling/dispensing take home meds applying o2 devices/suctioning performing ekg's giving neb tx and doing spirometry/peak flow testing vision/hearing screening good luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dkwee Posted January 21, 2012 Share Posted January 21, 2012 I'm looking to be in one too! Just hoping for openings by/before the time I graduate this May. There's some serious competition in my local hospital against Ambulance EMTs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deadliftyourspirits Posted January 23, 2012 Author Share Posted January 23, 2012 EMEDPA - Your input means a lot. Thank you. dkwee - It's tough, I know. I've been trying to get my foot in the door at local hospitals by applying to everything from food service worker to volunteer positions. However, this is the only interview I've received thus far so I'm trying my best to make it count. All I can tell you is to do whatever you can to make yourself more marketable and just keep plugging away. I wish you the best of luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deadliftyourspirits Posted January 23, 2012 Author Share Posted January 23, 2012 EMEDPA - Your input means a lot. Thank you. dkwee - It's tough, I know. I've been trying to get my foot in the door at local hospitals by applying to everything from food service worker to volunteer positions. However, this is the only interview I've received thus far so I'm trying my best to make it count. All I can tell you is to do whatever you can to make yourself more marketable and just keep plugging away. I wish you the best of luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deadliftyourspirits Posted February 2, 2012 Author Share Posted February 2, 2012 Thought I'd update. Bad news - they gave the full time position to an internal applicant. Good news - they offered me a per diem position instead. I've already accepted and hopefully it'll turn into part/full time down the road. Thank you again Just Steve and EMEDPA for your advice. This will indeed be invaluable experience that will not only help me get into PA school (my GPA could be better) but will also help prepare me tremendously. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Just Steve Posted February 3, 2012 Share Posted February 3, 2012 A foot in the door is a great start. Press on! Good luck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderator EMEDPA Posted February 3, 2012 Moderator Share Posted February 3, 2012 per diem frequently leads to part time which leads to full time. you are on your way. strong work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrCats Posted February 3, 2012 Share Posted February 3, 2012 Thats still great news! Once you learn the basics, start making friends on other floors and offer to get cross-trained, it is excellent experience to be able to work in Peds, OB, med/surg floors etc... Other floors ALWAYS need people to fill-in for vacations, call-ins, etc.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Deadliftyourspirits Posted February 3, 2012 Author Share Posted February 3, 2012 Thank you all for your thoughtful support. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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