So who should I talk to...?

[shaggybill]

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Hi all.

I decided a while back that I am 100% sure that I am going to pursue a career as a doctor, and 99% sure that it will be in EM. I've been researching this specialty for the past year ( even posted a few questions here) and now I'm going to start school again this winter to finish my undergrad. Since I dont want to waste this Fall semester, I'd like to become an EMT-B and work in the ER as a tech while I finish my undergrad. I've found an accelerated EMT courses that takes only a few weeks, and my plan is to adamantly bug the ER until they hire me as a tech. I'd like to go up there and talk to somebody in person so that they know I'm not a mangy mutt and I really am serious about learning all I can about the ER and doing as much as I am allowed to legally. My question for all of you is: who should I ask to talk to?

Thanks in advance for any help, advice, or suggestions. I'll take it all.

 

[JackBauERfan]

Hi all.

I decided a while back that I am 100% sure that I am going to pursue a career as a doctor, and 99% sure that it will be in EM. I've been researching this specialty for the past year ( even posted a few questions here) and now I'm going to start school again this winter to finish my undergrad. Since I dont want to waste this Fall semester, I'd like to become an EMT-B and work in the ER as a tech while I finish my undergrad. I've found an accelerated EMT courses that takes only a few weeks, and my plan is to adamantly bug the ER until they hire me as a tech. I'd like to go up there and talk to somebody in person so that they know I'm not a mangy mutt and I really am serious about learning all I can about the ER and doing as much as I am allowed to legally. My question for all of you is: who should I ask to talk to?

Thanks in advance for any help, advice, or suggestions. I'll take it all.

I did ER tech in a small hospital when i was in college and it wasn't that hard to get. They try to lure you to the floors as a 'temporary tech when needed' but If I were you I would try not to go to the floor cause they will abuse you haha and you won't learn as much as in the ED. Strickly say you want to be in the ED and hope they hire you haha.

Also, I just did some volunteer work at the hospital first so they all knew me, but the person that ultimately liked me/hired me was the Nursing Manager of the ED, so I would find that person. I don't think the doctors would have a say so in most places on who the tech being hired should be. (they may put in a good word for you though if you know any of them).

Websites wise this one and www.saem.org are prob very informative on the specialty.

I think the EMT-B is a good idea, I did a 2 month course in it and you learn the basics of history taking and some minor therapeutic things, and you don't get any 'scut' work you may get in the ED as a tech. Even if its carrying folks around in the gurney, you are around a paramedic all the time and most of them will let you do whatever and sometimes if you are the only two on a seen with 2-3 patients you HAVE to start evaluating folks (probably the less critical ones) but still good experience.

any specific questions feel free to pm me if you want.

 

[shaggybill]

Thanks, and shadowing or volunteering is a great idea, as long as the doctors dont mind it. If I shadowed a doctor a few times on shifts that aren't likely to be busy, then I might be able to get to know the staff a little. I'll at least try to volunteer there. Thanks again, and if you have any more advice I'd love to hear it.