Welcome
Explore Your Healthcare Career Path
Guiding students towards nursing,
medicine and EMS success.
My Mission
At Behind The Scrubs, I want to inspire and encourage high school students towards fulfilling careers in healthcare. My mission is to provide resources and information to help them explore various paths such as nursing, medicine, and emergency medical services.
Lets start with
NURSING !
Real answers to my question from real nurses working in South Florida
Nursing
The Journey
[hosp. nurse)
What inspired you to become a nurse?
My mom was a nurse and I was inspired by her because she was always talking about it
What was your journey like from school to your first job?
I went to UF and became a registered nurse. Got a job at Baptist Hospital and still here .I love it.
Who or what influenced your decision the most?
There are nurses in my family.
Did you always know you wanted to be a nurse? -Not really when I was younger I wanted to be a Science teacher.
What has surprised you the most about the profession?.
Is a very demanding job but is good. Having a busy shift, help the hours go fast. It is a good place for me It could be fun. Good work environment.
Workplace
(Nurse anesthetics at dentist office)
What are the biggest challenges you face daily , like traffic, work facilities, administration demands, coworkers?
I work with one patient at a time. Good environment Work Monday - Friday, never work Saturdays.
There's always traffic to get to work.
What changes would you like to see in nursing education?
I like my job. i don't know what I would change.
If you could change one thing about the healthcare system, what would it be?
A-Personally, I would like to see medical plans covering more treatments.
Coping
(Hospital Nurse)
During stressful situations, what techniques do you use to maintain composure?
Self therapy and deep breathing, and take a pause before responding.
Before you start your shift, what is the number one habit that helps you stay calm and productive during a stressful shift?
I pray before I start and ask for guidance and peace.
What advice do you give other nurses about handling fatigue and mental overload?
Balancing your sleep, getting daily sun, not overworking, healthy eating, schedule, and habits.
Family & Personal Life
(Hospital Nurse)
Do you find it difficult to separate work stress from home life?
Has your family made sacrifices because of your career?
Have you ever missed important family events because of work?
yes, because there isn't enough staffing. You can not miss a shift or else you could get fired.
Challenges
What is the most difficult part of being a nurse?
Horribly behaving patients, having to care ill manner and unappreciative patients.
shifts affect!
How do long hours and overnight shifts affect you?
How do you cope with seeing patient suffering ?
Advice
private practice nurse)
What do you recommend to students interested in nursing?
Research universities before you commit.
What classes or experiences helped you prepare the most?
Anatomy and Physiology I,II
What advice do you wish you had gotten before starting?
I didn't pay attention to pre-requisites for graduate school.
Had to work and go back to school before I could apply for graduate school.
What qualities make someone a strong healthcare professional?
Always be prepared for changes at work and stablish good relations with co-workers.
What would you tell a student who wants to follow your path?
Do not give up. If you need to take a break, take it. your credits will be there to continue and graduate.
The Future of Nursing
What do you recommend to interested in nursing?
What classes or experiences helped you prepare the most?
What advice do you wish you had gotten before starting?
What qualities make someone a strong healthcare professional?
What would you tell a student who wants to follow your path?
Nurses Symbol
The primary nurses symbol in the USA is the caduceus, a staff with a winged rod and two snakes , which serves as the official insignia for the U.S. Medical Corps, Navy Pharmacy Division, and the Public Health Service. Other common symbols include the Lamp of Learning (or Lamp of Knowledge), symbolizing Florence Nightingale's nocturnal rounds, and occasionally the Rod of Asclepius, a staff with a single snake, which is the actual symbol of medicine and healing.
How to become a nurse in Florida
Florida has the fourth highest number of nurses in the United States and this is expected to climb even higher, especially given the state’s aging population.
Nursing is a diverse field. You can become a certified nursing assistant, registered nurse, or advanced practice nurse—it all depends on your goals and where you’re interested in.
Once you understand what kind of nursing career you want to have, you’ll need to apply to a nursing degree program. Some programs can take as little as two years, but if you want to earn an advanced or more specialized degree, it may take up to six years to do so. Regardless of the degree you choose to earn, make sure you check that your desired program is accredited by the Florida Board of Nursing. If your program is not accredited, you won’t be able to earn a license in the state.
Emergency Medical Services
EMS is a team of health care professionals responsible for provide emergency care and transportation to the sick and injured
Levels of Training
- Public Basic Life Support and Immediate Aid
- Emergency Medical Responder
- Emergency Medical Technician
- Advanced Emergency Medical Technician Paramedic
The Star of Life
The serpent and staff in the symbol portray the staff of Asclepius, an ancient Greek physician deified as the god of medicine. Overall, the staff represents medicine and healing, with the skin-shedding serpent being indicative of renewal.
Adapted from the personal Medical Identification Symbol of the American Medical Association, each bar on the Star of Life represents an EMS function:
*Detection
*Reporting
*Response
*On-scene care
*Care in transit
*Transfer to definitive care facility.
911
Information to provide the dispatcher taking your call:
- Location: Give the exact address, nearby intersection, mile marker, or landmark to help responders find you quickly.
- Phone Number:This is crucial, especially with cell phones, as the location displayed isn't always accurate.
- Nature of the Emergency: Clearly describe what happened or what the problem is, stating the type of help needed (police, fire, or medical).
What to expect and do.:
1-Stay Calm
2-Follow Instructions
3- Provide Details
4- Don't Hang Up: Stay on the line until the dispatcher tells you to hang up.
LETS ASK EMS PROFFECIONALS
Culture & Values
What are the organization's values and how are they reflected in patient care?
How does the team collaborate during calls, and what is the team culture like?
Your Career
Where do you see someone in this position in 6 months to a year?
What are the next steps in the hiring process?
What are the benefits of a full-time position, and how easy is it to transition to one?
LETS ASK EMS PROFFECIONALS
Family & Personal Life
Do you find it difficult to separate work stress from home life?
Has your family made sacrifices because of your career?
Have you ever missed important family events because of work?
Equipment & Technology
How often is the equipment, such as trucks and cardiac monitors, serviced are
updated?
What technology, like auto-loaders, does the service utilize?
LETS ASK EMS PROFFECIONALS
Role & Environment
What is the typical call volume and patient demographic your service handles?
What are the typical shift structures and on-call policies?
Training & Professional Development
Does the organization provide in-house training or sponsor Continuing Education (CE)?
Are there opportunities to receive training for higher certifications like paramedic?
Will the service accommodate a paramedic school schedule?
How to become a EMT in Florida
How to become a EMT in Florida
How to become a EMT in Florida
To become an EMT in Florida, you must be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED, complete a state-approved EMT training course, and then pass the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) exam. Upon passing, you can apply for your Florida EMT license through the Florida Department of Health.
1. Meet the
To become an EMT in Florida, you must be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED, complete a state-approved EMT training course, and then pass the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) exam. Upon passing, you can apply for your Florida EMT license through the Florida Department of Health.
1. Meet the Basic Requirements
- Age: Be at least 18 years old.
- Education: Hold a high school diploma or a GED.
2. Complete an Approved EMT Training Course
- Find a program: Enroll in a state-approved EMT training program offered by community colleges, local EMS academies, or hospitals.
How to become a EMT in Florida
How to become a EMT in Florida
How to become a EMT in Florida
3. Pass the NREMT Exam
Eligibility: After completing your training, you'll be eligible to take the national certification exam offered by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT).
- Components: The exam includes a written and a practical, hands-on test.
4. Apply for Florida State Licensure
- Submit application: Once y
3. Pass the NREMT Exam
Eligibility: After completing your training, you'll be eligible to take the national certification exam offered by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT).
- Components: The exam includes a written and a practical, hands-on test.
4. Apply for Florida State Licensure
- Submit application: Once you pass the NREMT exam, you must submit an application to the Florida Department of Health to obtain your official Florida EMT license.
- Maintain certification: Keep your license active by completing annual renewal fees and required continuing education hours.
How to become a EMT in Florida
How to become a EMT in Florida
How to become a EMT in Florida
- .HOW TO FIND A EMT PROGRAN IN MIAMI-DADE
or Broward County, FL.
1. Complete an Approved EMT Course 2.Find a program:Enroll in a state-approved EMT training program in Miami, such as one offered by Miami Dade College or Barry University.
2. Get Certified by the National Registry of EMTs (NREMT)
3. Meet Florida's Specific Requirements
- Ag
- .HOW TO FIND A EMT PROGRAN IN MIAMI-DADE
or Broward County, FL.
1. Complete an Approved EMT Course 2.Find a program:Enroll in a state-approved EMT training program in Miami, such as one offered by Miami Dade College or Barry University.
2. Get Certified by the National Registry of EMTs (NREMT)
3. Meet Florida's Specific Requirements
- Age and background:You must be 18 years or older and have a clean criminal background.
- Proof of education:Provide proof of your completed, state-approved EMT course.
- CPR certification:You will also need to obtain CPR certification.
Find your Passion in medicine
HOW TO FIND YOUR PATH
IN MEDICINE
1. Self-Reflection and Understanding
- Identify your core motivations: Explore why you're drawn to healthcare to help prevent burnout and align with your personal goals, such as community contribution, stability, or a love for science.
- Know your strengths and personality: Do you thrive in constant patient interaction?
- 1(like dermatology or primary care), or do you prefer analytical or behind-the-scenes work (like pathology or biomedical engineering)?
- Consider your ideal lifestyle: Think about the work-life balance, educational commitment, and overall environment that would be most satisfying for you.
2. Exploration and Experience
- Seek hands-on experience: Shadowing healthcare professionals, volunteering in a hospital, or working in entry-level roles like an EMT or medical scribe can offer real-world insight.
- Network with professionals: Connect with mentors, peers, and experienced healthcare workers to learn about their paths and find potential opportunities.
- Explore a wide range of fields: Look beyond traditional roles to consider areas like:
- Direct Patient Care: Physician Assistant, Nurse Practitioner, Midwife
- Research & Technology: Biomedical Engineering, Health Informatics, AI in diagnostics
- Specialized Clinical Roles:Radiologist, Neurologist, Anesthesiologist
- Non-Traditional Paths: Healthcare writing, health tech startups, wellness coaching, or non-profit work
3. Resources and Decision-Making
- Utilize career guidance resources: Platforms like the AAMC's Careers in Medicine® (CiM) program provide information on over 200 specialties, including training paths and workforce data.
- Research educational requirements: Understand the schooling and training needed for different roles, from intensive doctorates to shorter certifications.
- Consider your future impact: Reflect on the kind of difference you want to make and choose a path that allows you to contribute in a way that feels meaningful to you.