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5 tips for paramedic graduates
For those graduating this June, here are some things to remember as you transition from EMS student to EMS pro
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With this time of year being graduation time for EMTs and paramedics across the country, here are five tips to help you transition from EMS student to EMS professional.
- Thank important people. Write at least five handwritten thank you notes to specific people like your primary instructor, clinical instructors, parents, spouse, children, preceptor, mentor, department chief where you did an internship, the supervisor of the emergency department, or the author of your textbook. Write something specific about a person or event that was influential to you during your time in school.
- Keep learning. Immediately begin continuing education that does more than refresh what you learned during paramedic training. Instead aspire to expand your knowledge. Choose an aspect of paramedicine that you aspire to become an expert.
- Join state and national EMS professional organizations. The purpose of groups, like the National Association of EMTs and the Wisconsin EMS Association, is to advocate for and provide to EMS professionals. They will best do that if you are a participating member.
- Participate in the worldwide EMS community. Establish an online presence through social networks, like EMS Connect and Facebook, that demonstrates your commitment to the profession. Connect with other professionals, ask questions, listen to the answers, and help advance the EMS profession with thoughtful and respectful contributions.
- Party safely! Please celebrate your tremendous accomplishment and effort to become a paramedic (or EMT) with friends, family, classmates, co-workers, and instructors. But please always celebrate with a designated driver. Spare your EMS colleagues the emotional pain of caring for a co-worker by making wise choices on your off-time.
Finally, you don't have an instructor or a preceptor looking out for you anymore. Nobody will ever care more about your safety than you care about your safety. Always look out for number one — yourself — to have a long and prosperous career.
Cue the band...Pomp and Circumstance.
