onlyinnewyork_

Haven't been on here since April, and haven't got the hang of this yet. I don't know if i can post a new topic anywhere else. For those who live in NYC, How long did it take you to get a job after getting your certification?

Fair enough. I won't read it that way.

However, you'd be surprised the reasons people pick the jobs they do or choose the careers they do. There are a lot of people out there, and there seems to be a surprisingly high concentration in EMS circles, who choose their job/career based on the money they think they'll earn and not so much based on subjects about which they're passionate.

I know what you are saying, I hate people who are like that. Plus they don't pay much in NY to EMTs anyway, but I still chose to become one, because I knew this is what I wanted to do.

It's all a matter of your perspective. I miss being out on the streets, only dealing with 1 pt at a time, not having to deal with countless alphabet soup organizations looking over my shoulder on a daily basis. When I work, the only way I know if it is day or night is to look at the clock on the computer. I have no idea if it is sunny, snowing or raining (I usually guess snowing since I live in Michigan).

that is true, but I'm sure the older I get the more I wouldn't want to be out anymore.

So it's not because you really want to be a nurse and provide good nursing care to your patients? It's because you want more money?

Please carefully consider what you're thinking/saying here. Please also consider your motivations for wanting to do what you're describing. Would you want a nurse taking care of you or your family member who was there simply because it was a job that paid more money? Or would you want a nurse taking care of you or your family member who is there because s/he is dedicated to the nursing profession and strives every day to be the best damn nurse possible because s/he loves it? There is a difference between the two.

There are plenty of nurses out there who are nurses simply because it pays well and they have nothing else to fall back on. These nurses are pretty easy to spot. The tells are generally not flattering or positive. These nurses are burned out and many times really shouldn't be providing nursing care.

There are many career considerations to be made. Money is one of those considerations. It is not the only one. In the end, however, it is your decision. All that can be asked by those with whom you'll be working, and especially by those for whom you'll be caring, is that you're making your career choices for the right reason.

okay, people get into a career field because they want to, at least I would hope so. Obviously I am just not doing it just for pay, why would I waste money on something that I wouldn't have passion in ? So don't take it in the way that you are thinking.

If you are waiting for a slot in fdny then you might as well go to school and get your degree.

If you really think you want to work on the street compared to a nice warm hospital, then go for it.

Won't make anywhere near the money on the street.

Plus the working conditions suck.

Yeah, I spoke to an EMT who works for FDNY, he is about to retire. He told me working on the street is the worst, and if I go in, go in for communications. He also said I am going to get "burned out" but I know people that have been doing this for years, and love it. The getting a degree part yeah, I am thinking about it, but I can't let this cert go to waste also.

Why do you want to be a nurse?

Honest question.

More money, and I don't want to get away from the medical field.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ff_kalDZfzU&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Another one bites the dust. Just as good to keep the CPR beat up with.

bahahaha !

EMS, like healthcare in general, is compounding education. Everything you learn will build upon and use knowledge that you've gained previously. Paramedic school will build on what you've learned in EMT training. If you lose anything it's because you're doing something wrong.

With regards to nursing school, or paramedic school, or any future career education you plan to pursue, please do your research accordingly. Know what the job market is like in the area you want to live. Research compensation for the profession you've chosen. Can you afford to live off of what you'd make? Will you need to move for a job? There are many other possibilities to consider.

When you've found something you like and want to do, and you're satisfied through your research that the job market for that particular profession is sustainable professionally, financially and personally, then get it done.

And have fun doing it!

Thanks for the advice :] but I've researched everything, and I don't mind either or. Just for me I prefer to be in an ambulance than to be stuck inside a place. Plus I honestly don't plan on moving out of NY, But thank you everyone for your input, it is highly appreciated. But like I said my main focus is to get into FDNY, although they won't open up their filing till September, I just wanted to go back to school to get a degree on something, and I figured I would get one in nursing.

Thank you :] , and I don't know I feel as if I were to jump into paramedic then, I would lose everything I've learned for EMT. I don't plan on going now anyway, I want to see how much I can handle in two years, plus I've been thinking about going back to college for nursing. Thanks for the advice !

I am from New York (as my username says). I've just gotten my cert a couple of days ago finally , applying for different companies. As of right now I am volunteering, but its pretty boring, either I sign up for the wrong tours or they never get any calls lol. But I plan on going to a new company, because I heard pretty good things about them, at least till I get a call back, but I will stay volunteering on the side. I am not only doing this just for money, although here EMTs don't get payed much anyway. Got a long way till September also to join FDNY, which is my main goal. But question, how do you feel about people who take an EMT class, and then jump right into a paramedic class after?

Good thing you are studying early, I highly suggest that lol.