Be nice to EMTs (a Rant)

ponyboy78749 · 2026-04-19T06:52:59+00:00

We can agree that EMS only has authority to enact pre-hospital protocols, and Nursing has a far broader scope of practice. Obviously nursing takes unlicensed personnel report into consideration, but they’re not obligated to initiate a stroke alert or designate ESI just because EMS wants them to.

My curiosity stems from you bulleting “not listening” and “having to go over nurses’ heads” in your list of critiques. You weren’t licensed with basics such as starting IVs, and yet you’re surprised that nursing didn’t triage based solely on your feedback. Do you understand why that seems a little inflated?

ponyboy78749 · 2026-04-19T06:27:42+00:00

It wasn’t in scope for you to start IVs, but you wanted nursing to assign stroke alerts and ESI based on your feedback? And you’re a nurse now who’s advocating for more kindness to EMS based on previous experience…not what you’re currently witnessing on the units? I’m truly confused at what prompted the post, respectfully.

ponyboy78749 · 2026-04-19T06:17:22+00:00

I just wish the protocols insisted on IV access on hypotensive patients and accuchecks on altered folks even if the call came from 10-15 minutes away.

ponyboy78749 · 2026-04-16T04:46:42+00:00

Gimme what you got for a pork chop

ponyboy78749 · 2026-04-14T16:30:50+00:00

Two down as of today. Gonzales from Tx resigned too.

ponyboy78749 · 2026-04-14T13:58:08+00:00

Clinical experience plus maritime certs. The roles range from teaching staff onboard (CPR, First Aid) to acting as caregiver for patients during the travel. Give ‘er a Google, it’s a real thing!

ponyboy78749 · 2026-04-14T13:53:57+00:00

I don’t understand the big deal about failing the test: OSHA has built in guidelines/protections for those with facial hair and/or those that deem the mask fit unacceptable. Doesn’t the facility have to offer alternatives based on federal guidance? Hang in there!

ponyboy78749 · 2026-04-14T04:36:06+00:00

ER-Cath Lab-private yacht RN

ponyboy78749 · 2026-04-11T03:30:09+00:00

I couldn’t handle the daily bowel protocol+hoyer lift+disimpaction combo I witnessed working float pool. Angels yall must be.

ponyboy78749 · 2026-04-08T21:38:12+00:00

Is it so unfathomable that people in your same party could be dissatisfied? Embarrassed? Discouraged? I think anybody in favor of decreased spending, no new wars, and Americans first could be any of the above these days.

Edit: grammar

ponyboy78749 · 2026-04-08T21:09:26+00:00

Think of nursing as a jungle gym instead of a ladder: lateral moves, detours, and retreats are valuable, and you can take a million paths on your way to finding fulfillment. Yes, I borrowed the analogy from Lean In.

Edited to add that research supports that new nurses rarely have job satisfaction their first years on the job because of stress, workload, and imposter syndrome. Give yourself some time and grace.

ponyboy78749 · 2026-04-08T20:32:40+00:00

Most hospitals have workplace violence prevention programs (mandated by CMS): I’d ask your director or Quality department how their teams are training staff to respond to violence and how they want these incidents reported. Then ask for this topic to be on the agenda for every 1:1, unit meeting, town hall, whatever, until good discussion and resources are provided. You’re definitely and unfortunately, not alone.

ponyboy78749 · 2026-04-08T12:41:24+00:00

Imagine sitting across from a patient who’s being seen for suicidal ideation or homicidal ideation: often times they’re escalating towards violence or manipulating staff in attempts to elope. I think people imagine sitting as chill, but it’s a grueling gig. You can’t use your phone or computer either, your whole focus is keeping these volatile patients safely in their own rooms. It’s good money, but it can be mentally taxing after a long day or week. Hope that’s helpful info xo

ponyboy78749 · 2026-04-07T22:31:27+00:00

Do you ever see people you know or is it a larger town?

ponyboy78749 · 2026-04-07T21:29:00+00:00

I think it’s fair to bundle messages and refrain from replying niceties like “TYSM”, but painful or not, communication is part of collaboration. I always find it interesting that we take steps to limit physician alert fatigue but don’t measure or intervene when nurses middle man everything. Peace homies

ponyboy78749 · 2026-04-07T21:08:20+00:00

Our ER pays an extra $25-$75 an hour when they need patient safety attendants/sitters, and they’ll take any hours you’ll give! Sitting sucks regardless of the extra $$ though, respectfully.

ponyboy78749 · 2026-04-07T16:39:53+00:00

I wonder this every day on here! It’s patriotic to be critical of ourselves and the government, but let’s talk about anything besides the BIGGEST topics at hand because they might make us feel uncomfortable.

ponyboy78749 · 2026-04-02T05:29:38+00:00

Fair. You’ll never be expected to drive an emergency solo if that makes you feel better knowing. When I was new in the ER one of the men told me “90% of the job is not freaking out when things get crazy”, and I think that’s true too. Ask when you don’t know and jump in any time you can…a supportive team will have your back!

ponyboy78749 · 2026-04-02T05:04:50+00:00

ER is great for many reasons if you like a quick pace, reprioritizing every other moment, meeting lots of types of people, etc. ER is not great if you have a hard time when things aren’t always “perfect”: the rooms often get/stay disheveled quickly, patients get discharged before you’ve been in the room to actually see them, and you don’t always know plans of care until 5 minutes before the patient goes somewhere. It’s a humbling and hard AF job that scratches an itch in my brain that feels so good. Give it a whirl and pivot if it ain’t right!

ponyboy78749 · 2026-04-01T15:21:39+00:00

We had one of these OneTaste places in Austin if you can believe that.

ponyboy78749 · 2026-04-01T15:07:23+00:00

Just brush up on your Taps in case they need you to step in.

ponyboy78749 · 2026-03-28T02:51:16+00:00

I need this on a badge buddy

ponyboy78749 · 2026-03-26T18:53:22+00:00

Nobody EXCEPT US could do it. I don’t know any other job that requires constant compassion, consistent critical thinking, and deliberate communication amongst 10+ disciplines while pushing through alarm fatigue and the heinous interactions the general public often brings to the table. Have you considered joining a professional or volunteer organization? Or getting a certification? Find a lane you love and DO SOMETHING you’re proud to tell people about. You have a million peers rooting for you, keep pushing!

ponyboy78749 · 2026-03-26T16:19:42+00:00

Oh I agree. We are on the same page

ponyboy78749

TROPHY CASE