Reborn, And Free To Post As A Paramedic

So I wander back to my meager beginnings now a full fledged Paramedic.

Still of course, I continue to work in the shadows of "real" paramedics, as the ink dries on my certification cards.

Once again, I'm reminded that with everything important there's always a marathon length of red tape to cut through. As I neared the finish line, it just seemed to look farther and farther away.

Looking back at some of the wonderful people I was fortunate enough to learn under and the value that the many patients I assisted gave, I can't help but wonder why one's clinical experience seems more like a hazing ritual for a fraternity then an avenue to gain confidence and competence in caring for the ill and injured?

I'm amazed at the level that students were treated during their clinical rotations. And at most times, the ridiculous expectations of how a student should act and carry on. Now I will say, that as an adult learner and previous college level graduate, I'm no longer a child, (hell, 30 is jumping up my ass, quickly) and I will not tolerate being treated as a child. I'm appalled to see the lengths that preceptors go to make for damn sure that their students knew their "role." Including the constant reminders that students and paramedics are not, and never will be even remotely close to what a nurse is. That students are not worthy of looking other paramedics in the face and definitely now worthy of bothering them with their inconsequential babbling. It is absolutely disgusting behavior by professional tacked with saving our loved ones.

To work and slave so hard through this process, all to figure out that the brotherhood to you've just joined is this pathetic, it actually saddens me that I've joined.

I know that many other professions have there hazing rituals. Medical students and residents are constantly bombarded with skut work during their educational journeys. And I can't speak to the dynamics of those relationships. But I can say that I personally have no reason why I would treat a potential addition to my profession with such disdain. Why do preceptors not embrace potential paramedics that they might work with. Why wouldn't they be welcomed and allowed to learn without the constraints of being the red-headed-step-child or the beaten dog.

Well, when the day comes and I have to option to precept a future paramedic student, I promise that I will show respect for their commitment and treat them as a human being worthy of being there.

And not like the petty, insecure wannabe paramedics and nurses that I observed.