I will never allow myself or any family member to be left in the bottom 99% of nursing homes
Amen to that. One thing EMS has certainly done for me is cement my desire to jump off a high building before I wind up in a "skilled" nursing facility.
to be fair, there are some excellent facilities, though they are rare... and expensive....
I will never allow myself or any family member to be left in the bottom 99% of nursing homes
One hand it can make you very cynical (low pay, interactions with crappy SNFs/patients, long hours) but if you are able to see past these things and appreciate the fact that as a low-paid, barely-trained EMT, you can still have a positive effect on peoples lives through your short interactions, then it can still be rewarding and enjoyable (run-on much?)
Has being an EMT changed how you look at life?
It certainly has given me perspective in life, as have all of my life experiences. Death and loss has a huge impact, but I find the positive calls where I was able to provide compassionate care most memorable. Sometimes I amazed myself.
EMS has not drastically changed my life or who I am as a person, but has given me invaluable knowledge and experience. For many years I looked to my career to provide me direction and happiness, and while it has it many ways, I find that my career isn't who I am as a person, but instead what I do to make a living.
Good luck!
its made me more mature and look differently on things.. like one example i wont speed as much in the car as i used to.... i think of the bigger picture