Pose

Thanks for the replies, guys. I start New Employee Orientation tomorrow. Quite nervous. Wish me luck! -Pose

Hello everyone, I start my job as a tech in a busy ED on Monday. Reading my job description, "perform chest compressions" and "assist in codes, and traumas," has me wondering: how does it work in the hospital? I'm a certified EMT-B, although I have not worked a shift. I know the sequence of events for your standard CPR/AED (check responsiveness, open airway & check breathing, 2 successful rescue-breaths, check pulse, begin compressions/defib) but I'm sure this differs in the hospital. What is the sequence? What happens following someone collapsing? Check responsiveness, open airway, check breathing, provide two breaths (BVM?), check pulse, start compressions and wait for defib to arrive. And then what? When are drugs, and advanced airways introduced? When exactly do I perform compressions? What would I (generally speaking, of course) do to assist? I have one month of orientation, so I'm sure this will be touched on, but I'd still like to prepare in my mind a little before I begin. All advice is appreciated.

http://www.emtcity.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.ph...asc&start=0 I believe this is applicable.

I just noticed that this link was posted in another thread. What a coincidence.

This reminds me of a great thread on SDN. You should all check it out, it's pretty funny.

I got a call from them this morning! They said they were very interested in hiring me (I'm in this for the experience, and opportunity to learn--), and have decided to hire me for 24 hours a week, and hire another tech to cover the rest of my shifts. The pay is $11.50-12, and the medical insurance has no preexisting conditions clause (I have a bulging disc which I'm currently being treated for). I now have much less than a full course load, and they're allowing me to work part-time. Thank you all for the advice, and ideas. I'll try to keep my sanity, especially when I start taking 18 credits next semester.

Some pretty good news. I took an exemption exam for my Health class last night and passed. Only 5-7% have passed the exam in the past 10 years, which is pretty cool. I got my credit and I'm done with the class. This of course means, given I'm hired by the hospital, I will have a day off during the week.

Unfortunately I have to have an income to continue receiving my tuition on a monthly basis, and the same holds true for my apartment. I can't live on campus, and I have no family in the state. I know I could probably find a job more willing to work around my school schedule (Subway, Barnes & Noble), but this seems like an opportunity to do something I both enjoy, and pays well. I don't know. Had I found this before classes started, I probably would've waited until next semester to start, but by now I'll only receive 4 W's on my transcript, and $300 in books and supplies that are useless. It's a tough situation...I guess I can only wait to see how flexible they will be with the hours, and how the interview with the ambulance service goes.

Of course. I brought a copy of my schedule. They would arrange my 32 hours on my days off (including weekends). They kept saying that they understand school can be difficult, especially while working, but they must have a commitment before training me. Anyone have any tips on pitching the idea of 24 hours instead of 32, without ruining my chances of the job altogether? And should I call the Human Resources guy (that set up the interview), or try to track down one of the nurses? Thanks again.

Thanks for all of the replies! I have not worked while going to school before, and they're not really wanting to give me any days off, but rather the possibility of two days off a month. I am studying Economics with a few minors (chemistry, photography, music/production), and the typical pre-med prerequisites. I'm only currently taking an Art, Honors English (Comp 1 & 2), Economic/Business mathematics (discrete, finite?), and a Health Science course. Unfortunately, I've only been to the first class of each, and I haven't been able to judge exactly how demanding they are going to be. I have an interview scheduled with an ambulance company in a few days, and there's a possibility they'll give me more flexible hours (per diem?), but I'm not in the best position with a driver's license -- so I'm doubting I'll land that job. The hospital job seems so promising. If I could get it down to 24 hours, I would probably give it a shot. Perhaps I'll call them up and see if there's any chance. They did make it very clear they wanted commitment due to the cost of the training they must put me through (6-7 classes), though. Thanks for the advice thus far...

14 credit hours, day classes Tuesdays & Thursdays, evening classes (4:30-8:10pm) Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays. The Tech job wants me Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday... Thank you for the comments.

Well Ladies and Gents...I just got back from a stressful as all hell interview. The interview is for an ER Tech position at a local hospital/trauma center. I was placed in a conference room and surrounded by 8 people--including the director of nursing, human resources director, and charge nurse for the department. All went okay (surprisingly), although they were very strict about my schedule, and the amount of hours I could work. I REALLY want to get the skills they're offering (EKG, Phlebotomy/IV, ACLS, suturing, HAZMAT...), but they're asking for a minimum of 32 hours a week for the first month. My dilemma? I just started school a week ago (freshmen) full time. After the initial 32 hours, they're asking for a minimum of 24 hours, with a 32 hour week once a month, and every other weekend and holiday. Oh, and medical/dental insurance. Unfortunately, I need to maintain at least a 3.7GPA this semester...So I'm very insecure about all of this. Anyone have some advice while I'm waiting to hear back? And how many of you have done or exceeded the above? Thank you...

Does Northeastern University not have one? http://www.ems.neu.edu/med.html

Hello everyone, I'm about half way through my EMT-Basic class in Massachusetts. I recently found out that not only is there no observation time in the ED or even on an ambulance, we won't even SEE an ambulance throughout our entire class. Needless to say, this is kind of disappointing. I was wondering how ambulance companies in your area view letting students ride around with them for a shift or two? I'd really like to see what the inside of the thing looks like before applying for a job, and I would, more importantly, like to get at least basic contact with patients. I brought this up in a chat session a few days ago, and most said that they usually don't mind at all letting students, or even non-students shadow. However, I'm interested to see how others view this, or if anyone has additional advice for finding an opportunity. Thanks, Pose

I was told that as well. I Googled it, skimmed through two anatomy atlases, and looked on a few manufacturer's sites and came back with nothing. It may also have something to do with the fact that most NPA's are made with the beveled edge on the right, and it's simply more convenient to attempt that side first? Couldn't tell you why, though. I doubt my instructors could either.

SALARY: $637.96 per week HOURS: 40 hrs/ wk, various shifts/days ^Directly from their employment website. I duno about all that. Are they the only company that handles 911 calls? Edit: Didn't see Ace's post about salary.