RocketMedic
Californian, Lost in Texas
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As we arc into the season of pumpkin spice lattes, extravagant materialism and celebrations of hard work, I find myself at something of a personal and professional crossroads. I've got a considerable bit of fancy book learning and the mechanism and desire to use it, and both my wife and I have decent jobs here in Houston, but we're also tired of being hundreds of miles away from family and we're tired of swamp (although it's not as terrible as it sounds). Our lease is up in January, school commitments are nearly over, and I've got a powerful wandering streak that hungers for cold air, forested rocky mountains, and the opportunity to do more than ride the truck while still riding the truck.
Professionally, I'm pretty close to the apex of a realistic suburban/urban 911 agency's field path pre-supervisor, I've got a great schedule, and I enjoy what I do, but I know I need to use my book learning to keep it from stagnating. To this end, I've got to do something extra- be it teaching, moonlighting in some capacity, or shaking it for dollar bills and cheeseburgers at a truck stop. However, I've also got a talent and liking for IFT work (especially the CCT aspect) and I'm pretty good as an FTO/instructor/whatnot, which are roles effectively closed off to me at present due to my shift assignment and disdain for stand-up 24 hour shifts.
So, with that in mind, I'm officially starting the Fall/Winter 2018/19 Unicorn Hunt Job and Movement Search!
Pay is somewhat important, in that it has to pay the bills and costs of living, but the actual wage/hours are definitely open to local factors and such. In general terms, I reckon it's got to be at least $50k a year without literally living at work.
Medicine and protocols are important, but not dealbreakers. I'm looking for at least a level of autonomy that lets me do the right thing for patients that need it. Functionally, I reckon the floor here is something like Central CA (Kern or Fresno?), with things like RSI or whatnot being helpful. Not LA County, for many reasons. Equipment isn't terribly important, although I prefer Stryker over Ferno and would like a place amicable to 21st century tools like VL, powerload, etc.
I am not particularly into flight.
Don't mind working with fire at all, but would need to be at least a professional equal to them, and would strongly prefer roles where we are the lead medical. Preference to 911-performing places, but open to IFT operations if the conditions are right.
Job really needs to have the opportunity for meaningful learning, advancement and change. Ideally, looking for an FTO or supervisory role immediately, or in the short term, and looking for the ability to help make a positive impact on the organization. It is actually OK if that organization is currently distressed or in need or whatnot; I'm actually looking for a role where I can really help beyond the truck. I'm....not super-interested in jobs that take years to 'prove yourself' or that require aimless progressions like 'station captain' or 'honor guard' or whatnot, I'm looking more for roles where I can help to make things better. The size of the organization isn't of massive importance; I can work with pretty much anything. Also, not a firefighter, so if you know of a place that requires you to be an actual real-life firefighter to be a paramedic, probably not super-high on my list.
Area is of moderate importance; I am not opposed to going rural or frontier, but for family reasons, I prefer the Western USA or Union country. Very, very little interest in the Deep South. Texas gets some preference, as does Colorado. Needs to have some sort of professional opportunity for my wife too; she is an experienced medical-office administrator currently in quality control, a phlebotomist, and an EMT. Placed you can wear jeans, cowboy boots and drive a Focus are of preference.
Certifications/Training/Education:
NR-Paramedic x 9 years (911/IFT/68W), mostly 911, reckon I can do alright with pretty much anything. Some supervisory and FTO experience.
Active TX paramedic, inactive CO/OK/NM (can reactivate at any time)
Mongo is of above-average strength and intelligence and can lift things up AND put them down.
UMBC CCEMTP
Usual card courses, not an instructor anymore, but can get.
TX EMS instructor
AAS-Paramedic, bachelor's degrees in education and healthcare management, about to have a master's in healthcare administration.
So, let the hunt begin! If you've got any advice, leads, tips, or a desire to see where this misplaced CalTexOkian is looking, please join in!
Professionally, I'm pretty close to the apex of a realistic suburban/urban 911 agency's field path pre-supervisor, I've got a great schedule, and I enjoy what I do, but I know I need to use my book learning to keep it from stagnating. To this end, I've got to do something extra- be it teaching, moonlighting in some capacity, or shaking it for dollar bills and cheeseburgers at a truck stop. However, I've also got a talent and liking for IFT work (especially the CCT aspect) and I'm pretty good as an FTO/instructor/whatnot, which are roles effectively closed off to me at present due to my shift assignment and disdain for stand-up 24 hour shifts.
So, with that in mind, I'm officially starting the Fall/Winter 2018/19 Unicorn Hunt Job and Movement Search!
Pay is somewhat important, in that it has to pay the bills and costs of living, but the actual wage/hours are definitely open to local factors and such. In general terms, I reckon it's got to be at least $50k a year without literally living at work.
Medicine and protocols are important, but not dealbreakers. I'm looking for at least a level of autonomy that lets me do the right thing for patients that need it. Functionally, I reckon the floor here is something like Central CA (Kern or Fresno?), with things like RSI or whatnot being helpful. Not LA County, for many reasons. Equipment isn't terribly important, although I prefer Stryker over Ferno and would like a place amicable to 21st century tools like VL, powerload, etc.
I am not particularly into flight.
Don't mind working with fire at all, but would need to be at least a professional equal to them, and would strongly prefer roles where we are the lead medical. Preference to 911-performing places, but open to IFT operations if the conditions are right.
Job really needs to have the opportunity for meaningful learning, advancement and change. Ideally, looking for an FTO or supervisory role immediately, or in the short term, and looking for the ability to help make a positive impact on the organization. It is actually OK if that organization is currently distressed or in need or whatnot; I'm actually looking for a role where I can really help beyond the truck. I'm....not super-interested in jobs that take years to 'prove yourself' or that require aimless progressions like 'station captain' or 'honor guard' or whatnot, I'm looking more for roles where I can help to make things better. The size of the organization isn't of massive importance; I can work with pretty much anything. Also, not a firefighter, so if you know of a place that requires you to be an actual real-life firefighter to be a paramedic, probably not super-high on my list.
Area is of moderate importance; I am not opposed to going rural or frontier, but for family reasons, I prefer the Western USA or Union country. Very, very little interest in the Deep South. Texas gets some preference, as does Colorado. Needs to have some sort of professional opportunity for my wife too; she is an experienced medical-office administrator currently in quality control, a phlebotomist, and an EMT. Placed you can wear jeans, cowboy boots and drive a Focus are of preference.
Certifications/Training/Education:
NR-Paramedic x 9 years (911/IFT/68W), mostly 911, reckon I can do alright with pretty much anything. Some supervisory and FTO experience.
Active TX paramedic, inactive CO/OK/NM (can reactivate at any time)
Mongo is of above-average strength and intelligence and can lift things up AND put them down.
UMBC CCEMTP
Usual card courses, not an instructor anymore, but can get.
TX EMS instructor
AAS-Paramedic, bachelor's degrees in education and healthcare management, about to have a master's in healthcare administration.
So, let the hunt begin! If you've got any advice, leads, tips, or a desire to see where this misplaced CalTexOkian is looking, please join in!
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