To and fro

So here I am in 2011 pursuing a summer trail staff position through Wilderness Inquiry in Minnesota (just had my phone interview today), applying for medical assistant positions at PVH and EMT positions with Pridemark in Arvada (an interview should be happening in January).  At the same time, I am enrolled at Front Range Community College (IV Therapy, EKG, Anatomy & Physiology I and II, and Medical Terminology) in case the job hunt doesn’t work out.

Currently, I hold Wilderness First Responder (WFR—pronounced ‘woofer’) and EMT-Basic (Emergency Medical Technician) certifications.  Took the WFR course in May at CSU on the spur of the moment…what with Alex and all his crazy ultra running friends and adventures, I thought it could come in handy.  Had such a blast learning how to fix broken people that I decided now was the time to revisit my desires of 10 years earlier and start taking EMT and pre-nursing courses.  This fall I had the exciting opportunity to ride along with PVH EMTs and PFA firefighters at station #4 and #7.  I also shadowed medical assistants at PVH and MCR.  I had several opportunities to talk to and help assist patients.

The medical profession is a far cry from my history degree and teaching credential via Cal State Long Beach.  Although, before I’d decided on history I was preparing to enroll in the nursing program at CSULB.  I had taken the prerequisite biology and microbiology courses and loved them.  My dad recently reminded me of my ‘A’ in microbiology and the final project 5’ x 5’ watercolor of antibiotic resistance captured at a sub-cellular level.  Having a 4 year old and a 1 year old at the time made me think twice about the numerous hours and years it would take to get my nursing degree so I opted for history.  I imagine it would have taken the same amount of time if you add in the year and a half for the teaching credential. 

I feel as though I have come full circle, and even though I enjoyed my years of teaching I can’t help but believe that the medical profession is definitely where I am supposed to be.