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Over the past couple years I have worked quite a bit in the
hospital. I have earned a 'peer' status among the physicians, mid levels and
nurses I work with. This comes from a different attitude then I see displayed by
many medics. When I am working, I am a part of the healthcare team, not just a
gopher or butt wiper. If I see something that needs to be addressed, whether
logistically or patient care related, I speak up. I have many advanced skills
and training, more so then most of the RNs that I work with. I do not need to
tell them about it and wear it like a badge on my scrubs. It shows (apparently)
in my work and concern for patients.
I am not a part of the decision making process in my current
job, except for strange situations like the bear spray victim who 'contaminated'
our ER last night. I am just a tech. That is my role, what I am paid to do, and
what is expected from me. This does not prevent me from doing what I can to
promote my chosen profession. I have been amazed at how people have responded to
knowing that paramedics work inside the ER here. Nearly every patient or their
family asks me "WHY?". What should I tell them? I am proud to wear a shirt or
scrub along with my name tag that identifies me as a paramedic. The PR that has
been occurring has been tremendous!
Should I tell them that working in the ED I can make $5+ per
hour more and have awesome benefits, only work 8 hour shifts, I get a lunch
break, I do not have to take call, I can take vacation without burdening my
partners, etc?
Should I tell them that I do what the nurses do not 'want' to
do?
Should I tell them that I someday dream of being a nurse, so
that I can make more money and I can pass off the butt wiping to some other
lowly tech?
These are real questions that people ask, techs discuss
amongst themselves, and I think we all think about.
Because of my experience, I do not see the nursing profession
as being 'touchy feely' and certainly not all 'warm and fuzzy' like the industry
tries to promote. This is in response to Dereks earlier posting.
Now I go off to be a tech till the middle of the night, wiping
some more butts, performing EKGs and cleaning dried blood off of trauma
victims.
Regards
Nick
____________________________________________ Nick Nudell, NREMT-P, CCEMT-P California nudell@prehospital-perspective.com "Perception is reality" - Wise Old Paramedic
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