phxhiker Posted June 30, 2020 Share Posted June 30, 2020 (edited) Hey guys! I was invited to interview over the phone for an Emergency Department Technician job at a level 1 trauma center 2 days from now!! I've been working as an EMT for a university ems agency for 1.5 years and I really want to gain in-hospital experience so I'm really excited about this. Does anybody have tips for phone interviews? Any recommendations for questions I should ask the interviewer? And are any of you current ED Techs that could just give me advice in general? Wooo thanks!! Update: I got the job!!! Edited July 8, 2020 by phxhiker Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Apollo1 Posted July 1, 2020 Share Posted July 1, 2020 Questions to consider asking about: 1. Scope of practice. This can vary btw. hospitals and also btw. licenses (i.e. your hospital may have an expanded scope for EMTs/medics than for CNAs who work as techs). If they have you primarily doing transports/being a room cleaner, you may be better off working on the road. 2. Avg time a tech is employed in the ED. If the turnover rate is extremely high, this could be a sign that you'll be worked to death and/or the dept is malignant. 3. How many pts do they expect a single tech to help take care of. When I worked in the ED, the nurse managers vacillated btw. 1-2 per pod (11-13 rooms), and this was a tertiary community facility with + 100k visits/year. Staffing does affect your experience working there. 4. Do they offer add'l training (ex. ortho applications, US use for IV access, ACLS, PALS). A place that allows for you to increase your skillset, especially when it can be applied as a future PA, is worthwhile. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AMD24 Posted July 1, 2020 Share Posted July 1, 2020 I would definitely agree with asking what your scope of practice will be in the ER. As an AEMT, I would run 911 calls and my scope of practice was well rounded. When I started in a pediatric emergency room as a tech, I lost virtually my entire scope of practice. I take vitals, do catheters, and can do blood draws. I cannot administer any drugs or fluids. I do not do an IVs at all. It is very different than on the road, but I think it is worth it to gain the hospital experience. Just really make sure you know what kinds of responsibilities you will hold as a tech in the ED because you may be able to get more complex skills practice on the road. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nichole96 Posted July 1, 2020 Share Posted July 1, 2020 I loved being a tech! I was an EMT-B in a level 1 peds ED and got to do phlebotomy/IVs, fluids, EKGs, catheters, work bedside in traumas, etc. The hospital experience was absolutely invaluable - I'm on my first rotation and just understanding the hospital "flow" has made my life so much less stressful. As far as your interview goes, I would be enthusiastic and show that you're ready to get to work. Techs do a lot of the grunt work (lots of transports and vitals in addition to the fun stuff) and they'll want someone eager and cheerful. Asking about the additional training is a fabulous tip - I was an ortho tech, psych tech, got my PEARS certification, and left before I got to go to the ultrasound-guided IV course. Being an ED tech has been incredibly helpful in PA school. I wish you the best of luck and encourage you to learn everything you can! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phxhiker Posted July 3, 2020 Author Share Posted July 3, 2020 Thank you guys! The recruiter ended up just asking experience, education, goals and scheduling questions. I got another interview with 4 lead ED nurses on Monday, and your responses will be a huge help!! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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