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I am NREMT certified. I have not found a job in Florida as an EMT as most ambulances companies' insurance policies require the age of 21. I am in My final phase of Paramedic classes having already received ACLS, ITLS, and taking a PALS final Monday morning. As I was signing up for clinicals for August, I learned firsthand what my instructors/ Firemedics have spoken about int he past as the "pucker factor" : I have one final month until Capstone rides (150 hours), and my State test.

Though I've passed all classes with A's and B's, I am suddenly terrified. Both of my Capstone rides where it is said that *I* will be team lead ( I'm not sure I have the knowledge to hold someone else's life in my hands!!!!), and of my state test... Which again, I worry about passing. From my knowledge, none of the Paramedic class that graduated before me passed their Paramedic Exam. ( I am not positive of this information, but I believe it).

I know my algorithems, my drugs, and my skills. But I am confidence shy. In the hospital, I have no problem with regurgitating knowledge or patient care, but my Fire stations visits have been a tad rocky. The testosterone, or rather, the loud personalities of most Firemen (not all, and it is NOT a bad thing!) have tended to overwhelm me in the past, and I have become flustered in skills and regurgitating knowledge. I've made careless mistakes (such as switching LABELED limb leads during EKG set-up, or missing an IV).

In the hospital, this does not happen. I can take charge of a Code, and "order about others" without difficulty, and perform any skill necessary. I am a walking cheat sheat of Drugs, Action, indication, Contraindication, Dose and Route...

It has been insinuated to me that I drop out of Paramedic, but I refuse. I LOVE the knowledge, and I love the idea of helping someone. After I finish (if I pass) I will be going on to get my RN degree, and hopefully Critical Care for both EMT-P and RN. I aspire to work for a trauma hospital in the ER as paramedic as I go through RN school, and eventually work on a flight service. I want to HELP people when they need it, i don't want to be what I keep hearing floor nurses referred to ( "a glorified butt wiper")..

I apologise for rambling, but I am looking for Capstone and State Exam advice.. And really.. Any advice those of you with Experience have to share. I don't just want to be a good Medic.. i want to be great.

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