By Julie Wood, Queensland Ambulance Service

Brisbane/Meanjin, Turrbal and Yuggera Country

"Parenting while studying and working is possible; not only is it possible, it’s also worthwhile"

I have been surrounded by the elderly and sickness throughout my childhood and into adulthood. It seemed fitting that what I wanted to do as a career was to help others by combining my life experiences with my curiosity and interest in everything medical.

I am a mother of six and a stepmother of two. Currently, apart from working full-time as a paramedic for the Queensland Ambulance Service, I run a household of nine, now with much help from the older children and my husband, who works from home.

After university is the excitement of applying for the state service. Some are lucky enough to be offered a position quite quickly. For others, like me, there was nothing quick nor exciting after the first several months. The waiting, not knowing, and feeling a sense of demoralisation.

I began applying for other jobs and university again, thinking I would have to start all over with a new career. Considering my age already, I wasn’t keen to go backwards to go forwards again. I’ve watched my peers get the job, and the next university cohort graduate and get the job. Although happy for those I knew, it was not a great feeling to be repeatedly let down - something my family also felt throughout the process.

Having casual employment as a medic/paramedic, I gained experience and applied what I had already learnt and expanded on that to build my clinical practice. With patient assessments and treatments, practical experience is undoubtedly how the majority of my learning occurred. I have had some impressive opportunities with my medic employment, attending numerous festivals and concerts, and assessing, treating, and transporting copious amounts of patients.

The College’s Grad Start Pilot Program was the extra piece I was looking for while in limbo awaiting a job. The Grad Start Program was an avenue I was excited to be a part of. The course is a window into starting your career as a newly graduated paramedic entering or waiting to enter your career. The course was so informative, and everyone I have met through the College is friendly and helpful. And the clinical knowledge from the College is outstanding. Even though I was still waiting to get the call, I was still moving forward toward my goal.

You are forever learning and moulding your practices as you continue to gain experience and knowledge - the College assists with this to help expand the knowledge learnt from my bachelor’s degree. I have found many CPD courses through the College to be a fantastic add-on to university education. Having that extra learning after completing the university degree meant that I could continue to educate myself without starting a new degree. I found I was happy to have the time home again after four years of full-time education, one of which was a TAFE course to gain an ATAR for university entry.

Two years after graduating, I got the call for employment with QAS for the acute pathway Graduate Paramedic Program. I am currently a 45-minute drive from my station, so that is an obstacle of fatigue that I must manage on top of everything else. Having the support of my husband and adult children is vital to facilitate my ability to work full-time.

I continue to be a small part in people’s lives on what is sometimes the worst day of their lives, and it’s an absolute privilege to do so. Sometimes it’s just that little bit of care, consideration, and kindness that makes a huge difference in someone else’s life and health journey. I appreciate the life experiences I have had and contribute the knowledge and understanding I have gained to my clinical practice daily.

From being home 24/7 to working full-time has been a change, and it has been hard. I still have days where I struggle with the thoughts of not being at home with the kids, though I am assured they are fine and doing well. Mum guilt exists. It feels selfish and cruel at times. As a mother you are an emotional venting post, a cuddle and shoulder to cry on, a sandwich maker, and a taxi service.

Then there are the times I am still pinching myself that I made it to this point and get to do what I set out to do six years ago. Parenting while studying and working is possible; not only is it possible, it’s also worthwhile, and I’m still blown away by it. I have grown as an individual, which I think is good for my children and beneficial for my growth as a paramedic. The job is great, my preceptor is fantastic, and I am confident of my continual path of learning and gaining experiences.

Before I began my journey, I always felt like I wanted to contribute to my community and to my mortgage. This job is a central component of the community. This job makes you appreciate what you have and what you may have experienced prior to being in the job. Currently, I have started the next course through the College - Applied Practice, which I am sure will be fantastic content as always.

Work-life balance needs to be planned ahead of time. I am yet to find the balance as I have had so much to catch up on out of work hours. Although, once home, work doesn’t exist until my next shift - there is a separation between the two. As the weeks roll by, it’s becoming less nerve-racking showing up to work as I am finding my feet and am not so nervous about my abilities and what procedures I must follow regarding my employment.

My advice is, if you feel overwhelmed, take a break. Take yourself out of the picture for five minutes to break the cognitive load. Give yourself time for everything and be prepared. Taking a step back and gathering your thoughts allows you see the bigger picture and gather information without the unnecessary pressure. Put your hand up, ask the questions, admit to not understanding something, and ask for help.