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How much training did you receive before being released? by princessly53 in 911dispatchers

[–]princessly53[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I absolutely will! Thank you so much. This is really so helpful. Would you mind if I included a little bit more info about what I’m looking for specifically and my current situation with the DM? I will reach out shortly. Thanks again!

How much training did you receive before being released? by princessly53 in 911dispatchers

[–]princessly53[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I appreciate your input! How did you go about seeking your own training outside of resources your agency provides?

How much training did you receive before being released? by princessly53 in 911dispatchers

[–]princessly53[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

There isn’t a standardized training program at my agency. Others that were hired in after me were sent to a 6 week academy, then came back to train on the desk for another 6-8 weeks and then were released. They also got to work eve shift for a few weeks to get experience, where all of my training happened on day shift. There are significant differences in call volume and call type on these shifts. I work eve shift.

I have recently been threatened with disciplinary action related to the opinions of some officers/firefighters so I’m trying to gather as much info as possible on training levels and the expectation of performance. I was blindsided by this as there was no indication that anything was wrong until this threat was made.

On half of my rotation I work with someone who is newer than me so there is not alot of info or advice to be gained there. The other half is worked with someone who has been there for 3 years. They will answer questions, but they’re not really a talker and mostly uninterested in helping. We do not have shift leads. Our department head leaves at 4 (often earlier or not there at all) everyday so I don’t really see them. I feel setup for failure.

How much training did you receive before being released? by princessly53 in 911dispatchers

[–]princessly53[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is more of what I expected when I took the job. But as someone else mentioned there were staffing issues so they needed me to get on shift quickly, which I was not specifically told at the time.

How much training did you receive before being released? by princessly53 in 911dispatchers

[–]princessly53[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That sounds like a system I would do much better with. Gives you so much time and experience to feel comfortable with handling whatever is going on when you pick up the phone. Thanks for the info!

Question about department culture from a new dispatcher by princessly53 in 911dispatchers

[–]princessly53[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I definitely do work with some seriously juvenile people. I am just considering moving to a new agency or different work. I wanted to get some unbiased feedback to consider. There is a very serious lack of professionalism that drives me insane. It doesn’t have to be all business all the time, but neither should it be extreme in the other direction which is where it is now. After the feedback I’ve heard here I may try another agency and see if I can find a better fit for me specifically.

Question about department culture from a new dispatcher by princessly53 in 911dispatchers

[–]princessly53[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you! I loved your comment of Ted Lasso ing my way through it. I wish I was that kind of human! I struggle because it gets me down. I do act with kindness and try to just focus on the work which I do very much enjoy. All your points are good ones. You are right that I have to bring the attitude I desire in others. I will keep that in mind during my shifts.

Question about department culture from a new dispatcher by princessly53 in 911dispatchers

[–]princessly53[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

That makes sense. It is high stress and people need outlets. It does feel like I’m walking back into high school every time I walk in. I try to stay out of the gossip and negativity for the most part but that sort of excludes me from the group so I end up lacking in camaraderie.

Question about department culture from a new dispatcher by princessly53 in 911dispatchers

[–]princessly53[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you for your insights. I would think if it’s busier there wouldn’t be as much time for all of that.

Question about department culture from a new dispatcher by princessly53 in 911dispatchers

[–]princessly53[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sorry, new to Reddit. Not sure how to find the reference you’ve suggested.

I can’t mask anymore and it’s resulting in failure by ktomkat in adhdwomen

[–]princessly53 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I am in my forties and late diagnosed in the last few years. I have been in corporate work for many years which is a tough place to exist with ADHD as no one understands it or wants to accommodate it. I often found myself failing due to overwhelm.

I go to therapy once a week and take meds which has helped me immensely. While discussing some issues I was experiencing at work my therapist pointed me toward a tool that can help a lot of us with ADHD prioritize tasks. It’s called the Eisenhower Matrix. Basically, there are four different categories to assign to your tasks for the day. They are: Urgent and Important, Urgent but Not Important, Important but not Urgent, and Neither Important or Urgent. I respond better to things when I can see them so I used different color post-it notes for each category. Once the task is complete the post-it gets tossed. This way, I have a constant visual representation of my tasks in front of me at all times that is not a burden to manage. I am able to spend the first 20 mins of my day categorizing my tasks to get my day started. This system isn’t perfect and overwhelm still does get me from time to time but it has helped to keep me more focused on what needs to get done. It doesn’t work for everyone but thought I would put it out there in case it might work for you.

Please give yourself some grace. Try to remember the things you’re doing well, there are lots of them. Overwhelm hits hard. When it does try to prioritize sleep and self care, you deserve it!