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Posted

Hello! I am new to this site and decided to post here because I need some advice from the more "seasoned" paramedics. I passed National Registry over a year ago and because of some personal issues just recently got a job as a paramedic. I just got off of orientation and it is just me and an EMT-B...Fire Dept. responds to emergency calls (usually) and there are paramedics on some of the trucks; it just depends on the shift. I also should mention I went straight from EMT school to paramedic school without ever working as an EMT-B. So, my issue is that I am having serious anxiety being out by myself. I feel sick to my stomach before every call. I feel like maybe I just slid by in medic school and got lucky passing registry. I feel like I am just waiting for that one call to show me I don't know what I am doing and shouldn't be on the street. I am seriously freaking out. A big part of me wants to just quit, but the other part feels like I worked really hard to get where I am. All the time spent away from my husband and son going to class and clinicals...not to mention the thousands of dollars spent on school. If I quit, I have no job and will lose my house. I feel like I have a lot of weight on my shoulders to succeed. I know I can handle the "normal" callls. The "sicks" and "psychs" and falls. I am terrified of the codes and bad traumas because I've only seen two codes EVER.

I guess my question is: is it normal to feel like this?

Thanks for your time and advice...

Posted

While it's normal to feel anxious when you first start out, the fact that you didn't have any time as an EMTB makes it more difficult. I don't know what your situation is- 3rd service, fire department, etc, but hopefully they put you with a veteran medic.

I would say trust your instincts and your knowledge. Assuming you did well in school, paid attention, and retained what you were taught, you should be OK. Remember, you are there for the patient, and if you focus on that it will help.

It takes awhile to be comfortable- there's simply no substitute(or short cut) for experience.

Years ago, I worked with a girl who was in exactly your situation. Because she was a single mom, she needed to finish school quickly, so she went straight from EMTB training to paramedic school- which was also an accelerated program. Very bright girl- booksmart, she knew her stuff, but completely green- zero experience on the street. She literally didn't even know how to attatch a regulator to an oxygen bottle.

It was like training a brand new rookie EMTB. It took time, a lot of patience, but she ended up being a pretty good medic(she had other issues that hampered her progress, but that's another story). I kept telling her to remember her training and what she learned. It can be done, you can be successful, but because you have no street experience as an EMTB, you certainly put yourself behind the curve. You will need to learn the basics of simply talking to people, taking histories, etc, PLUS all the advanced skills you learned in paramedic school.

If you can, express your concerns with a supervisor so they can put you with someone who can help you- that is key. It will be tough, but don't give up. Remember why you got into this business, work hard, and see if you can get extra clinical help from your medical director.

Bottom line is that you were hired, so clearly someone believes in you, so now you need to believe in yourself.

Good luck, and shoot me a message if I can be of further assistance.

Posted

Yes it is normal. The best thing going is you have not developed the bad habits so many that work as basics before becoming Paramedics develop. To many people waste a year or more at basic level only to get out in the field and have to have all the bad habits broken or become a horrible Paramedic. Best advice is always act calm in from of your patients. Keep studying during down time. You will be fine.

Posted

Thank you :c)

The service I work for is a private company that provides EMS for a city. Once off orientation, there is only a supervisor that comes during critical calls (codes, bad car wrecks, etc.). It makes me feel better to know that you knew someone that was in the same situation as me and it turned out okay. I will continue to study.

Thanks again!

Posted

If in doubt, take patient to hospital

Keep your Ambo phone handy to ring up and have a chat with the Medical Advisor when required

Posted

I think we all go through the 'first time out anxieties', regardless of what level of license we hold.

The thing to remember here is you've retained enough information to pass not only the class testing, but the NREMT as well.

In a perfect world, the company should have put you with a Medic FTO (Field Training Officer) for a couple weeks while you 'got your feet wet'.

This isn't the end of the world here, and if you rely on your education and training, follow your local protocols, you should be fine. But don't let your reliance on protocols keep you from thinking WHY you're treating your patient in the manner that you are. Protocols are 'guidelines' for treatment, and they spell out just what you can and cannot do, but they're not meant to negate the need to think about what you're doing and why you're doing it!

Another thing to remember; just because you're out of school doesn't prevent you from opening your text books and 'brushing up' on things....

Posted

A case of self-doubt as a shiny new Paramedic, NO WORRIES but First take a Big Breath .. ok thats better.

Firstly WELCOME to the City:

If you don't mind too much I am going to dissect your post, attempting to show you where your strengths already are . :punk:

Hello! I am new to this site and decided to post here because I need some advice from the more "seasoned" paramedics.

You came to the right place for starters, some of we crusty old buggers have way too much confidence so we can spare a bit ... especially kiwi :whistle:

I also should mention I went straight from EMT school to paramedic school without ever working as an EMT-B.

This is not a bad thing at all see HERBIE1 comment's again your in a better position than most because you have not developed a attitude or bad habits ... when in doubt go back to ABCs your training will kick in.

So, my issue is that I am having serious anxiety being out by myself. I feel sick to my stomach before every call.

You too I still get the butterfly's after 30 + years .. this is absolutely normal and when this goes away your burnt out. You are a human after all not a caped superhero !

I feel like maybe I just slid by in medic school and got lucky passing registry.

No way that you just "slip by" you passed on your own merit and drive,so give yourself a pat on the back. :icecream:

I feel like I am just waiting for that one call to show me I don't know what I am doing and shouldn't be on the street.

Every six months (more or less) this will happen and it should happen. Your self aware enough to understand that you should have some self doubts and there is nothing wrong with that at ALL. Its far far better than false bravado or a chip on one's shoulder.

I am seriously freaking out.

Your pretty coherent with your post (more than mine says rock_shoes) your not freaking out your asking am I normal ? (YES) This the just first step in the staircase that should never end.

A big part of me wants to just quit, but the other part feels like

I worked really hard to get where I am.

I worked really hard to get where I am.

I worked really hard to get where I am !.

Say that out loud ................ I can't hear you, say it again.

Nah your not going to quit your going to apply yourself, hit the books when you wonder if you did the right thing and remember that adults students are far more critical about themselves than children.

All the time spent away from my husband and son going to class and clinicals...not to mention the thousands of dollars spent on school. If I quit, I have no job and will lose my house.

Your NOT going to throw that investment IN YOURSELF !

Your NOT going to quit your going to be put on your boots one foot at a time.

I feel like I have a lot of weight on my shoulders to succeed.I know I can handle the "normal" calls. The "sicks" and "psychs" and falls.

Oh yes you can and do. Yes you do but your adding way more weight and pressure than you need too ... hey I would rather work with you than a cocky noob.

I am terrified of the codes and bad traumas because I've only seen two codes.

You Too ? I thought it was just me .... whew so I am not alone. :blush:

CODE's are dead people and statistically you have (at best) 9% chance of resus, you can't kill DEAD.

Trauma ... ABC

Use all the resources available. YOU don't have to do everything yourself.

Take a step back and deligate.

Your NOT alone you have tons of people around you to help.

Your the MASTE of DISASTER.

I guess my question is: is it normal to feel like this?

Yup for the "self aware" it is and NO ONE EVER TOLD YOU THAT THIS JOB IS SUPPOSED OR GOING TO BE EASY.

Thanks for your time and advice...

We dysfunctional goofs are not going anywhere .. well accept crazy (er) but thats measured in degrees :ph34r:

cheers

ps sorry bout the bold thing I exceeded "quotes" again.

  • Like 2
Posted

A case of self-doubt as a shiny new Paramedic, NO WORRIES but First take a Big Breath .. ok thats better.

Firstly WELCOME to the City:

If you don't mind too much I am going to dissect your post, attempting to show you where your strengths already are . :punk:

We dysfunctional goofs are not going anywhere .. well accept crazy (er) but thats measured in degrees :ph34r:

cheers

ps sorry bout the bold thing I exceeded "quotes" again.

tniuqs- Good post. Well thought out advice.

Posted

Thank you! I should tell you that they did put me with an FTO for several weeks (don't want you to think I work for a crazy company that throws newbies out by themselves). I was released from orientation by 2 FTOs per policy.

Posted

Thank you! I should tell you that they did put me with an FTO for several weeks (don't want you to think I work for a crazy company that throws newbies out by themselves). I was released from orientation by 2 FTOs per policy.

See ... you got 2 thumbs up .... :thumbsup:

I got released from an ex wife .... top that LMAO!

Thanks HERBIE1

You know we have all been there, some days I wish I could go back.

I don't have a flux capacitor in my Toyota ... well quite yet . :clown:

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