NATIONAL TESTING

[azemtjunkie79]

Just curious to know from the medics what was the hardest station ?

[EMS49393]

They were all incredibly easy. I'm pretty sure my sixth grade algebra final was more difficult.

I still have yet to understand why anyone could think any part of the national registry exam is difficult. Skill stations are memorization. They never change, and the registry gives you cheat sheets to memorize. The written is easier. No anatomy, no physiology, and very few actual ALS scope questions. Most of them are drug dosage answers. The best part, the CBT kicks you off after an average of 70-75 questions. Apparently, you only need to know the answers to 75 questions to be a paramedic.

If you do fail, just get back in line for another bright, new, shiny silver platter.

[Arizonaffcep]

I just took the CBT a few months ago for recert...heavy on the pathophys and scenarios. From the feed back I'm getting from others who have taken it, is the computer really varies the questions quite a bit.

[Dustdevil]

Just curious to know from the medics what was the hardest station ?

Minus five for posting in the wrong forum.

Fixed...AK

I always found the Trauma Assessment station the hardest. They read to you what is wrong with the patient, and what your surroundings are, but those things aren't really there for you to see, so it's easy to forget about them. Nothing hard about the skill itself, but the testing station is just hard to visualise. On the other hand, everything else is pretty black and white, like the medications, EKG, and megacode. But really, all of them are so easy that even a fireman can pass them, so obviously it's no big deal.

[brentoli]

I proctored a skill test recently.

Supine C-Spine

Failed fifty to seventy-five percent on their first try.

People were getting mad at me because they thought I was being too tough, or not taking into account that the students were "nervous."

Well, you know what? I don't think they will be any less nervous the first time they have to C-Spine someone that matters. Its not that hard, with someone who is laying out in the open and really isn't hurt and isn't dead weight. C-Spine should be the easiest station you take at a practical. I was failing people for STUPID mistakes too. Not tightening straps. Putting head blocks on before straps. One guy decided to line the patient up, he would pull him a foot down the board by his ankles, and pull him a foot up by his shoulders. Gah.

I don't know what that has to do with your question, but I feel better now.

[Arizonaffcep]

A lot of people have problems with the BLS stations (for medic class). I can only think the reason is the emphasis is on the ALS stuff and the BLS stations are neglected.

[chbare]

Honestly, the psychomotor stations are a complete waste of time IMHO. You simply memorize the NREMT check lists and practice the station until you can pass. How this has anything to do with being a competent provider is beyond my ability to comprehend.

Take care,

chbare.

[Dustdevil]

Honestly, the psychomotor stations are a complete waste of time IMHO. You simply memorize the NREMT check lists and practice the station until you can pass. How this has anything to do with being a competent provider is beyond my ability to comprehend.

X2. I leave that nonsense to those organisations which specialise and excel at the subscales, like ACLS and PHTLS. It's not a particularly valuable tool for the NR to be running. Leave it to the specialists.