My FTO is discouraging...

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CombatCasualtyCare21

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Started my first EMS job, was doing well but it turns out my FTO is kind of a d*** and makes me feel dumb, and will have me to do stuff with dept specific equipment and expect things that he has never shown me, during a call...which makes me not only feel dumb, but look dumb in front of a pt. I mean, I am a rookie, and I understand that. I dont expect to have my hand held...i know it will make me a better EMT in the long run to learn things the hard way, but, its kind of got me discouraged to the point where my confidence on a call suffers, thus making me reluctant to take initiatives, thus making it more likely to have sub standard patient care....some of the other FTOs are known to be positive and upbuilding and eager to teach, but mine seems to just be the "all knowing tough guy" maybe some of you can help encourage me??
 
CombatCasualtyCare21 said:
Started my first EMS job, was doing well but it turns out my FTO is kind of a d*** and makes me feel dumb, and will have me to do stuff with dept specific equipment and expect things that he has never shown me, during a call...which makes me not only feel dumb, but look dumb in front of a pt. I mean, I am a rookie, and I understand that. I dont expect to have my hand held...i know it will make me a better EMT in the long run to learn things the hard way, but, its kind of got me discouraged to the point where my confidence on a call suffers, thus making me reluctant to take initiatives, thus making it more likely to have sub standard patient care....some of the other FTOs are known to be positive and upbuilding and eager to teach, but mine seems to just be the "all knowing tough guy" maybe some of you can help encourage me??
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How does being made to feel like an idiot make you a better EMT?

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Sasha said:
How does being made to feel like an idiot make you a better EMT?

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I was referring to him "not holding my hand"
 
Your FTO shouldn't make you feel stupid. He should be there to educate you and help you find your feet. Yes, once in a while someone needs some gunnery sgt hartman love to get their crap straight, but it should be educational first. Speak with other folks on your squad, see what they think and then move it up the chain of command

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CombatCasualtyCare21 said:
Started my first EMS job, was doing well but it turns out my FTO is kind of a d*** and makes me feel dumb, and will have me to do stuff with dept specific equipment and expect things that he has never shown me, during a call...which makes me not only feel dumb, but look dumb in front of a pt. I mean, I am a rookie, and I understand that. I dont expect to have my hand held...i know it will make me a better EMT in the long run to learn things the hard way, but, its kind of got me discouraged to the point where my confidence on a call suffers, thus making me reluctant to take initiatives, thus making it more likely to have sub standard patient care....some of the other FTOs are known to be positive and upbuilding and eager to teach, but mine seems to just be the "all knowing tough guy" maybe some of you can help encourage me??
Click to expand...

Example?
 
OP, I've read your post a couple of times, and to be honest, it sounds just a bit whiny. So he's asking you to do stuff, on the spot, with department specific equipment? What is that, for a BLS provider? An automatic BP machine? A glucometer?

When you're confronted with department specific equipment, the time to ask about it is when you're checking the truck out. Everyone has to be taught, but chance favors the prepared individual. Be ready, and if that means asking uncomfortable questions in the morning when he doesn't really want to take initiative, oh, well.

Judging from your username, you're military? Or trying to be? Surely you have encountered this kind of person before? The key is to always be watching, ask reasonable questions that you have, and be the most competent person you can be.

Fumbling and struggling is so common with new EMS providers, and you feel really stupid because, well, you're as stupid as you're gonna be at the job. We've all been there. Keep learning, and stop blaming your preceptor. The grass is always greener in the other ambulance, but in my experience, the preceptor you have is usually the best kind.

Work hard, practice with this unfamiliar equipment in your downtime, and keep a positive attitude. "Woe is me" will only make things worse.
 
abckidsmom said:
OP, I've read your post a couple of times, and to be honest, it sounds just a bit whiny. So he's asking you to do stuff, on the spot, with department specific equipment? What is that, for a BLS provider? An automatic BP machine? A glucometer?

When you're confronted with department specific equipment, the time to ask about it is when you're checking the truck out. Everyone has to be taught, but chance favors the prepared individual. Be ready, and if that means asking uncomfortable questions in the morning when he doesn't really want to take initiative, oh, well.

Judging from your username, you're military? Or trying to be? Surely you have encountered this kind of person before? The key is to always be watching, ask reasonable questions that you have, and be the most competent person you can be.

Fumbling and struggling is so common with new EMS providers, and you feel really stupid because, well, you're as stupid as you're gonna be at the job. We've all been there. Keep learning, and stop blaming your preceptor. The grass is always greener in the other ambulance, but in my experience, the preceptor you have is usually the best kind.

Work hard, practice with this unfamiliar equipment in your downtime, and keep a positive attitude. "Woe is me" will only make things worse.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the response, this kind of honesty and insight is EXACTLY what I joined emtlife for...

So in response...I know, it is kind of whiny, I realized that shortly after my post. Ive never been the type to complain, just was starting to get a bit worried and wondered if I was crazy. As far as the equipment, it has mostly been things with the monitor, like 12 lead transmission, and pt. info input, he also asked me to set an IV pump and use a doppler for BP last shift. I have been actively trying to become more familiar on my own whenever there's downtime as he usually delays.

I am not military, but I have taken TCCC, and I come in contact with a lot of 68W and 18D folks through my friends. Just have a lot of respect for them.

"Fumbling and struggling is so common with new EMS providers, and you feel really stupid because, well, you're as stupid as you're gonna be at the job." This is the most encouraging part of your reply, and I feel a ton better now, I suppose I was just starting to feel a bit intimidated and thought i was screwing up. Thanks a lot for your reply, I will definitely suck it up and focus on becoming better, not worrying about my preceptors methods.

Thanks again.
 
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