Anyone work as an EKG Technician?

[Kuro]

Hello, I put working as an EKG Technician down on my application as one of my ECs. Is this an above average/out of the norm kind of EC, or is this a pretty common EC? After I finished my training, I was deployed at various hospitals in my region to work night shifts in the ER, CCUs, etc. I feel I gained alot of experience and got to see a lot of interesting things. I am just wondering whether alot of other pre meds have something like this.

Also, I did acquire 80 hours shadowing an ER physician. Would this qualify as volunteer work or just shadowing?

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[DropkickMurphy]

I wouldn't say it's a common EC, but it isn't anything spectacular. It's basically the same thing as a patient care tech. Of course this is just my opinion as someone who is a certified EKG tech.

 

[remo]

I did it and I think it's a good EC to put down. I'm sure you've been in on some intense situations. It's way beyond just being an ER volunteer running blood to the lab or picking up meal trays or something like that.

 

[DropkickMurphy]

I'm sure you've been in on some intense situations.

No offense.....but it never ceases to amuse me what premeds view as intense situations or cool experiences..... 😀

 

[AmyO]

Hello, I put working as an EKG Technician down on my application as one of my ECs. Is this an above average/out of the norm kind of EC, or is this a pretty common EC? After I finished my training, I was deployed at various hospitals in my region to work night shifts in the ER, CCUs, etc. I feel I gained alot of experience and got to see a lot of interesting things. I am just wondering whether alot of other pre meds have something like this.

Also, I did acquire 80 hours shadowing an ER physician. Would this qualify as volunteer work or just shadowing?

I pretty much agree that it's nothing jaw-dropping, but it is something medically-related to put on your application. There are tons of applications with EKG tech, phlebotomist, patient care tech, etc. but unless you're planning on going to Harvard MD/PhD, they're not going to expect activities like vaccinating all of Chad's indigent population against polio or anything like that. If you shadowed an ER physician, put it down as physician shadowing. There's even a category for it in the EC's I think. Don't try to overembellish just be straight forward.

 

[remo]

No offense.....but it never ceases to amuse me what premeds view as intense situations or cool experiences..... 😀

No offense taken, but you'd have to admit that giving someone an EKG while they're in the middle of a heart attack in the ER is going to be more intense that just about any of the typical "volunteering" experience you could get.

 

[DropkickMurphy]

No offense taken, but you'd have to admit that giving someone an EKG while they're in the middle of a heart attack in the ER is going to be more intense that just about any of the typical "volunteering" experience you could get.

True, I see your point and I'm not belittling the experience....but then again I'm also looking at it from the perspective of someone who has done far more than that as a result of my prior work experience (example (since we're on the topic of cardiac diagnostics): I'm sitting for my cardiac cath lab tech boards next January). It's all a matter of relativity I guess.....there's not much that flusters me anymore, so what would make most people go "WOW! That was neat" might be the same thing that I can do while discussing the new scrubs the nurse assisting with taking care of the patient is sporting or what the cafeteria is serving for lunch that day.

 

[notdeadyet]

True, I see your point and I'm not belittling the experience....but then again I'm also looking at it from the perspective of someone who has done far more than that as a result of my prior work experience

Very true. It's all a matter of perspective.

OP- It's a good EC to have. You'll have some interesting stories, just don't view it with the understanding of where it is on the totem pole.

Volunteering in an ER can be exciting, but is a little ho-hum after working as an EKG tech.

EKG tech is pretty limited once you're an EMT.

EMT is very basic once you're a Paramedic. And

Paramedic is glorified first aid after working as a physician.

The level you're at is and should be exciting. But be aware that folks a level or two above where your at have been-there, done-that so enjoy the work you do, but be humble in your PS as to the role you provide. EKG tech, EMT, LVN, Paramedic or any role in which you provide patient care is good work experience/EC. It's all well below the pecking order of physician, but any patient contact role is a good EC.

 

[DropkickMurphy]

EMT is very basic once you're a Paramedic. And paramedic is glorified first aid after working as a physician.

Actually anyone who has any real sense about how things stack up will tell you that basic life support EMS is probably harder to master and excel at than ALS (speaking as an ALS provider). VERY FEW people are totally adept at their basic skills, even those who are ALS providers and who have been doing this for years. The best EMS personnel I know and have had the pleasure of working with are two BLS providers- a first responder with 35+ years of experience, a basic EMT- a 19 y/o who will make one hell of a doc someday. Give me those two over any ALS provider (myself included) any day of the week......

And I know more than a few EM docs who are also still NREMT-P's who would disagree with the assessment of glorified first aid. One of them (who is an EXTREMELY well respected doc on a national level) made the comparison along these lines (paraphrasing): "Medicine and paramedicine are seperate but the same....neither is harder nor easier than the other, but rather they each have their own unique challenges. The major difference is that paramedics are expected to do the same things as a physician with less equipment, less manpower, less time and less information. It's like the medical equivalent of the Marines....."

Personally I'm a primarily an RT right now and it really isn't all that exciting and never has been- except when I flew critical care air transport missions for the Air Force. It's pretty mundane 99% of the time and that's one of the reasons I'm looking to expand my horizons. I think the reason behind this is that I have been humbled by the realization that in most of the cases I handle (COPD, lung CA, etc), my hands are effectively tied and there is precious little I can do for them. That doesn't stop me from trying my best though.....but that realization does tend to keep one's ego nicely in check.

 

[notdeadyet]

And I know more than a few EM docs who are also still NREMT-P's who would disagree with the assessment of glorified first aid.

Exactly my point. I was trying to illustrate to the OP not to feel discouraged if folks talk down the benefits of being an EKG Tech by folks who are higher up the food chain. Most know that each have level has its role in the process of patient care.

Many doctors look down on EM docs ("jack of all trades, masters' of none", etc.). Many docs don't have much respect for nurses. It's a drag, but the pecking order sentiment is there.