Pose

Only there is a profession called psychiatry. They are physicians. A hospital is a place where medicine is practiced. Thus, if it is under the realm of psychiatric medicine in a hospital, a psychologist should not be referred to as Doctor. Otherwise, sure...Why not?

i completely agree about the "not more difficult, just different" statement. i suck horribly in my english classes. and i believe that statement holds true elsewhere in this "debate." i think the biggest problem comes from the fact that many physicians or other clinicians are afraid of others attempting to "take over" their line of work. if it was openly considered the development of a completely different discipline, i feel there would be a lower level of apprehension. if you aren't trying to be medical/osteopathic physicians, but rather developing your own methods of treating your* patients, why should anyone stop you? * your patients, as in, not attempting to lobby for patients currently seeing a physician, or whoever. it would be a tragedy on both ends if someone were to try creating bad press against physicians, or claim to be superior in any nature. much the same if physicians attempted to stop patients from seeing another clinician. and lastly: how do you believe supply & demand factors into it? by this, i want to know how you feel the increased level of authority to advanced practice nurses, psychologists, optometrists, chiropractors,..., will effect the long-term supply and demand--that is--business, for physicians? what is your projection for physicians, and nurses in terms of salary, demand, and lifestyle? thank you for the honest and calm answers. i appreciate your thoughts on the matter, as much as i do the physicians, medical students, and pre-meds i regularly speak with.

I can't believe half of this. An MD is better than a DO, a PhD is better than an MD, a DNP is equal to an MD, so is a DO below an RN, and a PhD above a DNP? I'm sorry to say, that depending on what your graduate degree is in, it may or may not be more intellectually stimulating than ____. Have you handled the basic sciences of medical school? Have these "my MD is inferior to your PhD" handled the science-oriented graduate work? Have you? Did these PhD seekers attend the program in order to apply their science in a clinical field? And lastly, where do you believe this is all going?

My Birkenstock Professional Clog's have decreased my back pain from terrible after a couple of hours, to none at the end of my shift. However, my feet and legs tend to ache like hell wearing them. I've only had them for two weeks, though, so only time will tell. I do appreciate no back pain, though.

I have been absolutely amazed with them so far. I suffer from chronic low back pain, and after wearing these at work--I have none! However, I guess you're supposed to break them in before wearing them for 8+ hours at a time. My feet and legs were killing the first few days! Any idea of how long the insole lasts before a replacement (for someone that's on their feet all day)? I'd like to stay on top of the schedule!

Psych is called, security is on standby, and they get a sitter. After being medically cleared by the physician, they're usually sent to the psych holding area. Only, no one likes getting undressed--especially younger, angry individuals. We usually have to strip them. It's not fun.

I have two herniated discs in my lower back. I'm not a nurse, although I am a (new) tech in a very busy ED, and I never get a break. In fact, I sometimes get less than 10 minutes for lunch. I have many many back aches during the day, although I've discovered 400mg of ibuprofen usually does the trick. On that note, stretching (see a PT!!!) every morning, and good shoes seem to be worthy of a note. I was told that generally, being on your feet all day can offer some benefit, although if your back really begins to flare up, it's time to consider other options (even if it's just changing something simple, like shoes, support, body mechanics, posture, etc.) And make sure to pump that hospital bed up when pushing!

To those of you with this style of shoe, how loosely do they fit? I ordered my size online (12-12.5 Mens) and they arrived today. If I push my foot forward inside, I have about an inch of space behind my heel. They feel almost like a sandal. I have a feeling this can't be right, but I'm just checking before I send them off for another size. If this isn't in the right forum, sorry! It seems nursing related, in the sense that nurses are the unofficial experts on footwear while at work.

Just take what you want. There's not much worse than accepting something, and then an hour later having a feeling of dread in your belly. Be straight forward with yourself, and the hiring manager. Good luck!

I hope that's a neurosurgeon! I can't say I'd want a neurologist to be wielding a blade. Anyway, I really do feel for you, and I'll keep you in my thoughts. I'm 19 (as of a week) and I have two herniated discs at L4-5, L5-S1. I have terrible back aches, and continuous numbness in my R lower leg. I've had this for 3 years now. I finally got insurance, and went to a surgeon for evaluation, and his decision is dependent on my EMG in 2 weeks. I just started working in the health care field, my dream, and I'm terrified of worsening the injury, or putting an end to the dream. Everything about a back injury is terrifying. Keep us updated!

Thanks for the advice! I'll definitely bring the bed up to my level. I see many nurses and techs bending down pushing the bed.

Hello everyone, I just started working on the unit (finally finished with hospital-orientation!) So far, I've been happy to see there's not really any lifting in the Emergency Department, but mostly only sliding patients from bed-to-bed. One thing I have noticed, however, is that beds are heavy! I'm young, and I have a bad back as it is (2 bulging/slightly herniated discs.) I was wondering if there is a "proper" way to push a bed--from a body mechanics point of view. I've also received no training in walking with people (that need assistance), but that may come later, I'm not sure. Please discuss! --Pose

For those of you that remember, I was in the process of applying for an ED Tech position when I first joined. I got it, the health-screen went fine, and I begin tomorrow at 8:15am. The letter I received says it's New Employee Orientation, and I'm unsure of what exactly I'll be doing, but I'm extremely nervous either way. It's a 24 hour/wk position in a busy ED, and I have no healthcare experience. Should be quite the ride. On that note, if anyone has any last minute advice or tips, things to be careful about, and so on, I'd be very grateful! Oh, and if anyone could tell me what usually happens at this "New Employee Orientation" I'd appreciate it. Thanks again for all of the advice/encouragement in my other threads, -Pose

Thank you very much for the reply, and welcoming! With the medical diagnosis/medical history, are there any well-known disqualifying factors I should be aware of at this point? I would hate to get in there and have my employment terminated before I even start (I've been diagnosed with a bulging disc in my lower back.) Other than that, I should be okay. I had my immunizations faxed to me today (including hep), and results from a TB test I had 4 months ago (whether or not that will suffice, I don't know.) Again, thank you, and I know that this will all probably vary on a case-to-case or institutional basis, but any idea would help ease my anxiety. I'm very excited to begin. -Pose

I've recently (it's official!) been hired as an ER Tech. Today I got a call from HR for the employment paperwork, and I believe they said a pre-health screening. They want some ID, immunization records, and my "professional license." I was hoping someone could tell me a little bit about what's going to happen at the screening, and what generally happens after the screening? This is my first job in a hospital, and first real job that required an interview, so you can imagine this is all very new to me. I'd appreciate any information! -Pose

I got the job! I start March 27th. I'll be working Monday, Wednesday, and weekends for orientation. I'm very excited!

Thank you all very much for the support and advice! I should be hearing back from them on Monday with the specifics of my employment, and the rest of the process. I'm pretty excited to start, so long as they hurry up! -Pose

hello everyone, i'm currently attending college (freshman) studying economics, and pre-medicine. i eventually plan on becoming an emergency physician, and working in the realm of international medicine. i've recently gotten certified as an emt-basic in hopes of gaining some experience, during which i stumbled upon an ed tech position at an emergency department/trauma center. this is great news, and they were (reluctantly, due to the learning curve) willing to give me a part-time position. i truly want this job for the learning experience, and the pay is quite good as well. anyway, during my interview (which was hell--conference room surrounded by 8 interviewers), i was told that i will be trained in phlebotomy, ekg, hazmat, and a few others, and be required to insert foleys, cast, splint, and participate in trauma. this sounds like the hands-on opportunity of a lifetime, but it is quite frightening! my emt "skills" have left me feeling woefully inadequate, and i doubt any of it will transfer into the ed. to be honest, i've never even seen a foley catheter, and i haven't the first clue about an ekg. so, i was hoping for some honest responses, tips, and any other type of comment. i have searched--and read--many threads about ed techs on this website, and it has been helpful, but i'd like to hear a little more about this learning curve, and how difficult to learn the material is going to be. am i really going to struggle with learning these skills, having no prior medical experience? thank you for any advice, and patience :imbar , pose.

Thank you for the advice. I will definitely take it all into consideration, and think twice about a back support. All other comments are welcome, -Jared

Hello everyone, I'm about to begin my first hospital job as an ER tech at a trauma center. I'm very much looking forward to the job, although I've recently been diagnosed with a bulging disc at L4-5 causing mild spinal stenosis. I've apparently had this for around 2.5 years now, and I've worked some pretty rough jobs (read: construction) since then. I don't believe this will prevent me from taking this job, but I would like a supplement or two (good shoes, back support) to make it a bit easier on my back. I was hoping some of you could recommend a good back support/brace to relieve some pressure when I'm standing for so long. Something a little less obvious under clothes would be nice, but anything that will do the job would be great. I found plenty of good advice on shoes, but any last minute comments on things to consider would be much appreciated. Thank you, -Jared