Nursing and EMS humor, and free graphics for your site!
If you use any of my graphics, please provide credit and a link back. Shoot me an email so I can provide a link back to your site!
The only thing on this site that was written by me was "Mary's Go To Work Book". Otherwise, author credit is given where it is known.
MY THOUGHTS ON THE "RN VS. PARAMEDIC" CULTURE
I became an EMT in 1990, and an MICT in 1991. I was not a very good one; I lacked experience and confidence. After getting my BSN and working a year in an intensive care unit, I knew that I would have been a much better medic with that experience (and the confidence that accompanied it). Conversely, nursing school was a BREEZE because I already went through MICT school. Nursing school did not prepare its graduates for emergent situations, real-life, or trauma.
I grew sick of the RN's trashing paramedics, and vice versa. Why the controversy? An RN would never make it working EMS, without further training or mentorship. Paramedics also would need some further training before they could fill an RN's shoes (but not quite as much).
One thing that going through both cirricula taught me is this: if you meet a stupid medic, it's their fault. They were presented with the training and knowledge and for some reason still don't "get it." However, if you meet a sharp RN, it is to their credit. They were presented with mostly theory in school, so any practical knowledge is gleaned through self-study and mentorship. Both professions compliment each other, and deserve our respect.
Pictured is the MICT patch I earned in 1991. In 2000, I let my MICT certification drop. It was difficult; I worked harder for that patch than anything else in my life, before or since. But it wasn't doing me any good. Which in itself is so sad. In both Kansas and Colorado, when applying for jobs, the medical community would not give me "credit" for my years of experience in EMS. They said it "didn't count." That perhaps is the most offensive line of thinking I've ever encountered. One of the many reasons I no longer work as an RN. There will be a huge RN shortage, and the medical community had better start giving paramedics the respect the profession deserves, or it is their own funeral.
  (Left) This is me in 1994, my BSN graduation picture. The first and last time I wore an ashtray on my head -- oops, I mean, a nursing cap. (We didn't even get one at graduation. They just had one for us to wear for the pictures.)
I owe so much to my friend Tonya. Here we are (right) in 1990, when I was just a brand new EMT. She has been my friend, family, and mentor ever since. All good things about me I credit to her, including my strength, self-sufficiency, and humor. She's an RN now also, and one of the best medical professionals I've ever had the honor of working with. This page is dedicated to her.
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