Cardiology is kicking my ass

I cannot even count the number of pages behind I'm in my reading assignments.
Finally getting a handle on rhythm recognition and we've moved on to 12-Lead interp.
Just a step behind.
Tired
Overworked
Under the gun
Yikes!

Alphabet Soup

OK, I work for the government.  I am used to abbreviations.
Whether they be, TLA (three-letter abbreviations), FLEA (four-letter extended abbreviations), or worse.

But folks, I am confused about all these "add on" courses and abbreviations for medical folk.

Need to deal with kids?  Well have we got some fun for you!
PALS, PEPP, PEARS, APLS, ENPC, ITLS, NRP, EPC (go here if you want to know what these are).

Cardiac?  Well we have a class for you!
AHA HCP BLS with CPR & AED
not enough?  How about ACLS?
ACLS too hard?  Well we have an ACLS Prep course, too!

Don't forget about AMLS, PHTLS, and TCCC

WTF?

When do I stop being a newbie?

So I'm helping out a bit with our EMT class this winter.

(We live differently up here - tons of vacationers in the summer, very little in the winter.  Dang I hate generalities.  Lemme check the stats...200 calls in July, 30 in January.  That should give you an idea.)

So we have our classes in the winter during down-time.  I was assisting with an assessment station the other day and found myself saying, "well, there can be a difference between what you learn for the NREMT and what we do on calls..."

Woah.
People are asking me questions, looking to me for the "right" answer.  What we really do out there with sick people.  My experiences.  My stories.

Did I stop being a newbie?  I don't know it all.  Not even close.  Every day I learn more and realize I really know nothing.  I certainly still feel new.

We had a guest instructor, a guy I respect a whole bunch, who said, "I really felt like a good EMT after I finished EMT-I, and like a good EMT-I once I finished Paramedic school."

Totally.  I could not agree more.  We are about halfway done with didactic in 'medic school and I finally feel like I can function as a decent EMT.  But still have more to learn.  More experience to glean.

I had better go study some more...

Blank

I'm pretty sure my brain is typical at this point, halfway through paramedic didactic.

My mind is blank.

I make out flash cards, read, read, and read some more.  Attempt to put it all together in the empty hole behind my eyes.  Nothing.

It has to get better than this, right?

Currently Reading...

For 'medic coursework we are reading from most all our books:
Paramedic Practice Today, Volume 1 and 2 Rev. Reprint
Author Aehlert, Barbara J Edition 2011 ISBN 978-0-323-08539-

Pharmacology for the Prehospital Professional - With Dvd
Author Guy, Jeffrey S. Edition REV 11 ISBN 978-0-323-08519-9

12-Lead ECG in Acute - Text and Pocket Ref.
Author Phalen, Tim Edition 3RD 11 ISBN 978-0-323-07785-9

ACLS Quick Review Study Guide
Author Aehlert, Barbara Edition 4TH 12 ISBN 978-0-323-08449-9

For fun? 
I managed to make it through The Zanzibar Chest by Aidan Hartley - a bit tough through the middle, but a ton of background on East Africa interwoven with a coming-of-age and history of his family.  Worth my time and tugging me back to the Tanzanian higlands.
I also bought the eBook Wading Into Chaos: Inside the Life Of A Paramedic [Kindle Edition].  About 3/4 of the way through and it's been an interesting look inside the career of someone with boundless energy.  Makes me feel like a slacker.
I've also been reading some poetry - Robert Browning, Robert Frost, and a host of English poets.  Just like old friends - always there when you need them.
I've taken a bit of a break from The Dark Tower...I need to be in the right mood to take on Wolves of the Calla.

That's enough for now - focusing on getting through A&P and Cardiology with a little time left to ski!