NREMT is holding my eligibility hostage

[SeekingRedemption]

I am new here, and I don't know if I am posting in the correct section, so please bear with me.

I feel like I am in a hole that I cannot dig myself out of. I am wondering if I am in a catch 22 situation at this point that cannot be resolved.

When I was 21 years old, I plead "no contest" to 2 Misdemeanor convictions in a state outside of where I reside. It involved a romantic interest at the time where I was too persistent, ultimately leading to a 1 count stalking and 1 count harassment conviction. This was a matter that was completely separate and unrelated to my job as an EMT at that time. Sadly, it did follow me into my career, as my state ultimately took disciplinary action against my license and I ended up voluntarily surrendering it, coming to find out later had the same effect as a revocation. I self reported to the National Registry upon seeking to renew my NREMT certification a couple years later, and they denied my eligibility due to "a lack of an unrestricted state license."

I actually first obtained my AEMT licensure in another state (I will call State A) initially because I took my EMS education in State A. In State A, I just have an expired license with no restrictions. The state I reside in now (State B) is the state with the disciplinary action, where I gained reciprocity after getting licensure in State A.

All I have to do to renew my license in State A is to submit proof of a current NREMT certification. Because NREMT will not let me renew because of disciplinary action in State B, I am held up being able to renew in State A.

The NREMT stated that I need a letter from whichever state I desire to be licensed in saying they are aware of my disciplinary actions in another state, but that I am eligible.

The issue is that this is not a normal procedure for any state to do (out of their normal scope), and they would have to treat my situation as unique and as "special treatment" I guess, putting me in a bind.

In order to get state licensure in State A I just need my NREMT renewed, but NREMT will not let me renew without an unrestricted license. It is contradictory.

First of all, why does a private-sector, non-profit entity wield so much power and authority in deciding my fate? At what point can I be redeemed?

I am now 31 years old, married, and my life circumstances are drastically different than when I was 21 and in college.

 

[CCCSD]

Stalking and Harassing a female aren’t lightweight charges. Especially for a medical provider. They have the absolute right to refuse.

It’s your state that decides what level of power they give NREMT.
Ask for the letter. Did you even try that? How long have you been out of compliance? You would have had to renew at least four times, how did that work?

 

[SeekingRedemption]

Stalking and Harassing a female aren’t lightweight charges. Especially for a medical provider. They have the absolute right to refuse.

It’s your state that decides what level of power they give NREMT.
Ask for the letter. Did you even try that? How long have you been out of compliance? You would have had to renew at least four times, how did that work?

I have recently attempted to request a letter from State A again. I am awaiting a response.

I left EMS behind me years ago hoping I wouldn't feel the need to go back. I instead pursued software engineering and became successful with that for a brief few years. With the big tech washout over recently, the tech industry has become very volatile and unstable at this point, prompting me to reconsider EMS again in the meantime. In addition, there is a critical nationwide shortage of emergency service workers. EMS is a love/hate relationship to me. There are aspects I love but parts I absolutely despise.

I am 31 years old now and recently married. I do not have even the slightest desire to be out chasing women, because I already have found love. With that, I have responsibilities not only to myself but my wife. I am not the same foolish, lonely, desperate young man I was in my early 20s.

 

[mgr22]

I have recently attempted to request a letter from State A again. I am awaiting a response.

I left EMS behind me years ago hoping I wouldn't feel the need to go back. I instead pursued software engineering and became successful with that for a brief few years. With the big tech washout over recently, the tech industry has become very volatile and unstable at this point, prompting me to reconsider EMS again in the meantime. In addition, there is a critical nationwide shortage of emergency service workers. EMS is a love/hate relationship to me. There are aspects I love but parts I absolutely despise.

I am 31 years old now and recently married. I do not have even the slightest desire to be out chasing women, because I already have found love. With that, I have responsibilities not only to myself but my wife. I am not the same foolish, lonely, desperate young man I was in my early 20s.

It's good that you have options, as I did many years ago when I left a software development job in favor of an EMS career. I can't think of any parts of either occupation that I despised. If you don't mind me asking, what is it about EMS that you despise?

 

[SeekingRedemption]

It's good that you have options, as I did many years ago when I left a software development job in favor of an EMS career. I can't think of any parts of either occupation that I despised. If you don't mind me asking, what is it about EMS that you despise?

Some of the most cynical, pessimistic, toxic, apathetic, and depressed people were the coworkers I worked with in EMS. I am not exaggerating or lying. It really highlights the red flags and the overall poor health of the EMS systems in my state.

I enjoy the aspect of being a "hero" and a valuable asset to society, but overall, it is a terrible line of work to be in. When I was a young EMT, my paramedic partner told me on day one to find something else, or else I'd be stuck in this, dependant on it, and miserable the remainder of my life. That speaks volumes.

 

[mgr22]

Some of the most cynical, pessimistic, toxic, apathetic, and depressed people were the coworkers I worked with in EMS. I am not exaggerating or lying. It really highlights the red flags and the overall poor health of the EMS systems in my state.

I enjoy the aspect of being a "hero" and a valuable asset to society, but overall, it is a terrible line of work to be in. When I was a young EMT, my paramedic partner told me on day one to find something else, or else I'd be stuck in this, dependant on it, and miserable the remainder of my life. That speaks volumes.

Given that you have those feelings about EMS and the people in it, I'm surprised you'd seriously consider returning to "a terrible line of work." I think you'd burn out pretty quickly even if you were able to get relicensed. Perhaps being a software engineer is a better choice for you. Or maybe there's a third choice involving something new. You're young enough to try lots of things. Have you considered developing software for EMS?

 

[DrParasite]

a few questions/comments

1) how did you keep your license with state A with a stalking conviction? typically when you lose your license for criminal activities in State B, they notify state B so they can decide if they want to take action.

2) NREMT isn't "holding your eligibility hostage"; they are simply complying with their policies to grant people with revoked licenses maintain their certification... which, quiet honestly, isn't a bad policy to have. Otherwise, you could commit murder in State B, and State A would not know about it, and you would continue to be an EMT... sounds like a bad idea to me.

3) it makes sense that NREMT would want the state you want to be licensed in to know about the disciplinary actions you had against your credential in another state; would you want to have an EMT whose EMT cert was revoked due to criminal activity? Will your state even grant you a license knowing you have convictions for stalking and harassment?

We were all young and dumb once; many of us did things have had long term consequences to our EMS employment. Yes, you have learned and matured, and changed your life, however any agency that would hire you should ask about your criminal convictions in your past, and should conduct a background check. A conviction for stalking and harassment will be major red flags.

I wish you best of luck, but I think this is NREMT doing what's best for the profession, even if you don't like their policies

 

[SeekingRedemption]

Given that you have those feelings about EMS and the people in it, I'm surprised you'd seriously consider returning to "a terrible line of work." I think you'd burn out pretty quickly even if you were able to get relicensed. Perhaps being a software engineer is a better choice for you. Or maybe there's a third choice involving something new. You're young enough to try lots of things. Have you considered developing software for EMS?

To be honest, I really do not have the motivation or drive to return to EMS, not much like I did in my teens/early 20s. It is an avenue I am considering only because I see turmoil and instability in the tech sector. If I had to choose between EMS and being a fast food worker, EMS sounds better than that at least and I have prior experience.

I considered developing software for EMS until I realized the risks and liabilities. The software in mind I had needed strict HIPAA compliance.

 

[SeekingRedemption]

a few questions/comments

1) how did you keep your license with state A with a stalking conviction? typically when you lose your license for criminal activities in State B, they notify state B so they can decide if they want to take action.

2) NREMT isn't "holding your eligibility hostage"; they are simply complying with their policies to grant people with revoked licenses maintain their certification... which, quiet honestly, isn't a bad policy to have. Otherwise, you could commit murder in State B, and State A would not know about it, and you would continue to be an EMT... sounds like a bad idea to me.

3) it makes sense that NREMT would want the state you want to be licensed in to know about the disciplinary actions you had against your credential in another state; would you want to have an EMT whose EMT cert was revoked due to criminal activity? Will your state even grant you a license knowing you have convictions for stalking and harassment?

We were all young and dumb once; many of us did things have had long term consequences to our EMS employment. Yes, you have learned and matured, and changed your life, however any agency that would hire you should ask about your criminal convictions in your past, and should conduct a background check. A conviction for stalking and harassment will be major red flags.

I wish you best of luck, but I think this is NREMT doing what's best for the profession, even if you don't like their policies

You are absolutely correct. This is pointless and futile. What the hell is the point? The whole public safety infrastructure is collapsing anyways.

 

[Jim37F]

First of all, why does a private-sector, non-profit entity wield so much power and authority in deciding my fate?

Because as an EMT, even if you're only talking about a private IFT company, you're still asking State A to certify you to be placed in a position of power/trust over vulnerable people. Authorities generally don't like granting that trust to people that have a history of abusing that trust to the point of criminal convictions. How are they to know you're not going to get obsessed with a future patient of yours and end up stalking and harassing them as well? Or worse?

In short, you're dealing with the consequences of your actions.

The issue is that this is not a normal procedure for any state to do (out of their normal scope), and they would have to treat my situation as unique and as "special treatment"

This is basically a special unique treatment. How many people applying for EMT Certification in State A have had this criminal charges and convictions, resulting in the revocation of such EMT Cert by another State? That's definitely not a standard thing as far as the people in charge probably deal with on a regular basis.

"Time, Distance, Shielding" State A probably (without knowing any more details about the State and their particular policies) wants to see, at a minimum, X amount of time since your conviction with you keeping your nose clean (i.e. avoiding even speeding and/or parking tickets). So that when you say "I've learned from my younger self's mistake" they can see some actual evidence to back those words up. They may want some sort of Character Witness (the fact that your married can absolutely help... but is not in and of itself a magic stamp to override the past. Plenty of married men still break the law after all, but if your wife can testify that you've indeed moved on, that may help. Maybe a trusted person in the community, such as a Priest or other who can also couch for you, may be needed

It's far from impossible (and staying out of trouble for a few years and having people State A can trust be willing to vouch for your character, shouldn't be all that hard for someone we should be able to trust with patients alone in the back of the ambulance), you just gotta walk up that hill, since after a criminal conviction, no one is just going to hand it to you.

If that's too much to ask from you (or whatever State A decides they need from you to prove they can trust you again), then well, good luck in whatever other future endeavor you choose.