OT: Thinking about EMT school

I have always wanted to do something in the medical field.. but went to college to be a teacher. Since college I have been a stay at home mother to our four sons. 3, 8, 12, and 17. I am now very restless and am so ready for a job! My only real concern is being away pretty much 5 nights and 1 day a week while in school and doing my clinicals. I am not sure how I or the children will do with that. ugghhh Why can't life be simple???? Kathy

Entry level EMT is usually a shift-work position. It will mean odd hours of work and odd hours away from your family. I quit a very good job, simply because I hated the hours. (all shift-work) I guess what I am recommending is that you review all the pros and cons of obtaining this position and determine if it is really right for you and your family. If it is the right choice for you, then I wish you all the best in obtaining your dream job. Karen G

Oh, I know all about the shifts etc.. Both my brothers and their wives are paramedics, my four first cousins are doctors, and then we have lots of nurses and other medical people in our family. lol I would actually prefer the grave yard shift that most do not want. - I am more worried about school time and clinicals than the actual job. Kathy

Hi Kathy, I know what you mean anout the schooling and clinical aspects of going back to school. I was so very fortunate that I was able to get my schooling for my Respiratory Therapy done before I had my first child. It has definitely made life easier for this single mother. And I did my share of shift work before my oldest started school. I was very fortunate to find a M-F job that required no call, weekends, or holidays. Plus, they sent me for more training, and in addition to my Respiratory License, I also now carry my licensure for Hyperbarics. I have a good job, and it allows me to be home when my kids are home. Good Luck to you in your decision to go back to school. If your family is supportive, it will be well worth the effort to do it. It can be rough while in school, but the benefits later are worth the hassle now. Susan Lap RNY 12-1-04 285-205-155 (-80)

You to, I'm restless also on wanting to go back into the medical field. I'm looking right now at getting a job at a hospital. It's funny how this surgery makes our lifes turn around the better Intead of taking second best we want to be #1 Donna 338/232 -106