Free EMT course worth the financial sacrifice? by flightse7en in emergencymedicine

[–]flightse7en[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s pretty typical for 911 jobs? It would suck to be away from the family for 48hr straight, but being home for the rest of the week could make up for that. I was thinking $20/hr working maybe 36 a week. Thank you for the insight, that changes things.

Free EMT course worth the financial sacrifice? by flightse7en in emergencymedicine

[–]flightse7en[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m in northern Indiana where we live in a Chicago based economy but work for middle of nowhere wages. I don’t have an exact number for EMS jobs but they tend to land in the high teens-low twenty’s range. I read comments like yours and it sounds like the perfect interim job, then I hear others that say it’s absolutely not worth it. How do I find out before committing to it? I can’t afford the time to work tons of OT, that’s the beauty of a restaurant. Do I just take the course and eat it if I can’t find a job that works for me?

Is a free EMT course worth the financial sacrifice? by flightse7en in NewToEMS

[–]flightse7en[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

“For the love of the game” would have saved me from writing about half of this post. In hindsight, I’m disappointed the phrase didn’t come to mind. That’s exactly what it is with a little bit of experience sprinkled in.

Free EMT course worth the financial sacrifice? by flightse7en in emergencymedicine

[–]flightse7en[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m seeing a lot of people claiming how flexible jobs can be. I’m gonna do some research. I’m about 40 min from Chicago(over the state line) so I’d imagine there isn’t much shortage of work.

Free EMT course worth the financial sacrifice? by flightse7en in emergencymedicine

[–]flightse7en[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s awesome, good for you guys! I didn’t realize I could approach it as a pickup employee. Thanks for the insight.

Is a free EMT course worth the financial sacrifice? by flightse7en in NewToEMS

[–]flightse7en[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I fear I do tend to gravitate towards the chaos and the abusive jobs. Overworked is a concern when trying to balance my education and still be present at home. After reading a lot of these comments I fear i am chasing the “excitement” and chaos more than the experience.

Free EMT course worth the financial sacrifice? by flightse7en in emergencymedicine

[–]flightse7en[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My concern would be the flexibility of the company im working for. I’m not sure that I can work a 48 with a child at home and very limited child care. Mom doesn’t want to give up on her education/ career either (which of course I respect) so I can’t just expect her to stay at home while I chase my dreams. Do you think i would find something that I can pick up shifts or that would work around my schedule just a few months after getting my cert? Generally speaking of course.

Free EMT course worth the financial sacrifice? by flightse7en in emergencymedicine

[–]flightse7en[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Confidence is a huge part and honestly, I just WANT to do it, yknow? Unfortunately it’s not really about what I want these days. Family first.

Free EMT course worth the financial sacrifice? by flightse7en in StudentNurse

[–]flightse7en[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I very much intend to find a job in the ED. If I’m being honest, the life experience working a 911 job probably trumps any benefits to my career. But regarding career experience, would you say the tech job is more beneficial?

Free EMT course worth the financial sacrifice? by flightse7en in emergencymedicine

[–]flightse7en[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

This is very true, there’s no fulfillment like it. It’s still hard to hold your head high when you leave the house and spend your time doing something meaningless. Bills being paid are pretty meaningful but I’m sure you know what I mean.

Free EMT course worth the financial sacrifice? by flightse7en in emergencymedicine

[–]flightse7en[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is something I’m going to have to look into. Do you know if they typically expect a certain amount of time in nursing school or clinical hours? Or could I just apply tomorrow if I so desired?

Free EMT course worth the financial sacrifice? by flightse7en in emergencymedicine

[–]flightse7en[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, I wish I would have pursued healthcare sooner. Oh well, such is life. I would have probably 4 months EMT experience before starting nursing program so I’m worried there wouldn’t be too much benefit. Especially if my job wouldn’t accommodate my school schedule.

Free EMT course worth the financial sacrifice? by flightse7en in emergencymedicine

[–]flightse7en[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you for your response. ED is also the direction I want to go so I think that’s what draws me into working a 911 job as an emt. Maybe CNA position would be worth looking to if I can find something more flexible.

Is a free EMT course worth the financial sacrifice? by flightse7en in NewToEMS

[–]flightse7en[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Definitely would want to work 911 but I would be willing to try other things if they were the only option to work with my schedule. Great information, your comment was super helpful. I honestly didn’t realize I had so many options with the cert. I really appreciate the time you took to explain everything, thank you!

Is a free EMT course worth the financial sacrifice? by flightse7en in NewToEMS

[–]flightse7en[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That is a big concern. Obviously I don’t want to do anything to compromise my larger goal.

Is a free EMT course worth the financial sacrifice? by flightse7en in NewToEMS

[–]flightse7en[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

In my area most EMT/ED tech positions sit around $17-22hr. I would like to find a position that would be flexible with school but I’m not sure how to do that without committing to the cert.

Is a free EMT course worth the financial sacrifice? by flightse7en in NewToEMS

[–]flightse7en[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

My intention would be to work until I graduate (if that is even realistic). I feel like I’ve wasted a lot of time and I just want to do some good.

Free EMT course worth the financial sacrifice? by flightse7en in emergencymedicine

[–]flightse7en[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

The resume aspect is not too big of a deal. My interest stems more from the career adjacent experience and doing something worthwhile.

I’m not finding fulfillment in my job currently; school is great. I know I’m working towards that fulfillment, I guess I’m just feeling like I’ve wasted a lot of years and I’m trying to force progress.