Something I have heard over the years is that we in EMS need to remember from where we came. I try, every chance I get, to remind my younger co-workers of this, but for the most part, I don't know, I just don't think they get it, or even care sometimes.
A lot of folks I work with these days are also going to paramedic class. Up until recently, the only places you could go to EMT-P school, unless you wanted (or could) to do the full AAS thing at the local community college, were some other community colleges that are pretty much and hour away in either direction. And then those options pretty much lead to some more problems. And even the new option at the local community college, well, leaves a little to be desired, from where I sit.
So I hear a lot of, well, whining. Having to take days off. Having to drive to class. Having to work a full time job. Having to buy books. Wah. Wah. Wah.
And it doesn't help matters much since in my home state, if you are affiliated with an EMS agency, your tuition is free. Yes, that's great, but I just don't think the new students
appreciate what they have done as much, or what they have have achieved. And it just makes it harder for them later to go out and get some good CE because they
might have to pay for it. In one state, for example, I had to pay $1,700. dollars or so up front to take medic school, plus buy uniforms (two shirts, two pairs of pants, and a jacket) that included special shoes to meet the college's specs, and patches, and my first chrome Cross pen (yes, it was required, and I still have it), and books, and an ECG caliper, a stethoscope (Littman Classic, I still have it, as well), and something called malpractice insurance. Thank goodness for an understanding first sergeant, company commander, and the purse strings of the US Army.
So anyway, I came across this
jewel and linked to it. I think I am going to print it out and post it at area EDs, as well as stations.
And one of AD's statements says it best- "Pull up your big girl panties and get to work".
I thought I had it bad when I went through, being on active duty and having to make some pretty hard deals with my fellow soldiers in order to get my class time. Some pretty hard deals indeed. I pulled a lot of late night and all night dutyshifts, and wound up pulling a lot of weekend details as well. I remember plenty of 96 hour straight runs- class, work, class, work, class, clinical, work... Oh well, you have to set your goals.
So this is required reading for all of you students and potential students. And it is also required reading for all of the preceptors and FTOs out there. The reason is obvious for the students and all, but why the preceptors and FTOs? First, to appreciate what your students may be having to do to get to and through class. And second, so that you do not cut them any slack for doing so. Don't let them slip on their assessments and skills 'just because they may be tired'. Don't let it slide because they are late or have to go home early because they are tired. Pull up your big girl panties and get over it. You had it just as bad, maybe worse. And a lot of others before you had it a lot worse.
And I will say this to the employers out there-.with all that the students are going through, and even though you should not cut them any slack for it,
you owe it to them to make sure they ride with your very best, not just any open spot on the schedule. If you are not doing that, then you are letting the students down. Not everyone can take a student and work with them. A lot of paramedics don't want to, and that, to me, is OK. Maybe they
know that they are not a
teacher. And they just shouldn't have a student placed with them. I have seen that way too much. And just because someone has a title, maybe they are not cut out for it either. I've seen way too much of that, as well.
9E1