Exploring multiple paths

Qualifying as a paramedic amid a global pandemic that had little hope of resolving, and joining a workforce that was under possibly the highest amount of stress in years, was not how I expected my graduation to be. It has come with its own set of challanges and trials; however, I strongly believe that once we're through, I and the rest of the NQPs will be better clinicians because of it. One benefit to come out of the repetitive days at home, layers upon layers of PPE and the increased difficulty of everyday tasks, was the opportunity to reflect and determine the type of paramedic I want to be.

There is a continuous mindset I've noticed that exists when it comes to NQPs—the only route to take upon graduating is the ambulance service. While, as students, we are told about paramedics working in a variety of areas, from primary care to oil rigs, hardly any NQPs head in these directions. This may be a result of a fear of non-conformity. As a student, you spend most of your placement time in the back of an ambulance with no exposure to paramedics in different areas; therefore it is only natural to follow this path.