Wednesday, January 20, 2010

NYS Practical Skills Exam




On Sunday, I took the skills exam. Everyone was incredibly nervous and tensions were high. All of my skills went well except for the easiest one for me. At the random station, I picked a shoulder fracture. All I had to do was put on a sling and swath. I got to the end of the station and realized that I didn't check PMS (Pulse Motor Sensory). I checked at the end but knew that I failed because I didn't check before I applied the sling. I left the room smiling and everyone asked how I did. I just kept on smiling and said " I failed. No biggie." I knew exactly what I forgot to do so I wouldn't make that mistake again. When I got called in to re-test, I laughed and told the instructor exactly what I did the first time. 2 minutes later I was done. 5 people failed, one of them being a good friend, so the day wasn't a complete success.

Sara made us a celebratory cake and bandaids. They were incredible. Everyone loved it. Now its onto the NYS written final exam. After that, I am a Certified NYS EMT-B. Fingers crossed!

Thursday, January 7, 2010

Well, Sal passed with a 79! I am really proud of him. I am sad that 3 of our classmates won't be with us until the end. We will be thinking of you and know that you will be successful in whatever you decide to do. Whether that is take the class again or something else. Andrew, Sal and I went out to celebrate after he passed and had a great time. I just got home and that's why this post is so late. Open labs tomorrow. Gotta start on the practical skills exam now. No rest for the weary or wicked! Getting close to the goal!

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Helping Hand

Today is the re-test for the final exam. Andrew and I have been working with Sal at my apartmemt. He is doing really well and we have our fingers crossed that he "GOT THIS". Sara fed us eggplant lasagna, which was awesome. Brian and Sharon are busy working with the rest of the class at school. We want 39 people going to the state exam. We are pulling for you all.

Final Exam

This is the first of what I hope to be many entries on my life as an EMT. I am currently enrolled in the EMT-B program at Laguardia Community College. From what everyone has said, it is one of the best in NYC. It has been very challenging, especially for someone that was a complete screw-up in school. This is the first time that I have actually loved going to class. I think I finally found my calling.

Last night, we took our class final and I got a 90! After taking the test, we had to wait for almost an hour and a half for our results. We needed a 75 to pass and I really didn't know how I did. It was quite a relief when I found out my grade. Now, we need to pass the state practical exam (next Sunday) and the state written final (on January 21st). I am going to study hard and ace them both! At least, that's the plan. ;) Wish me luck!