I have a double issue/problem
I am a left below the knee amputee and am going to be 55 years old soon. I am a front line firefighter and slated to retire September 1, 2017. I have literally interviewed at every hospital for a job but as soon as the subject of me being an amputee comes up I never hear from them again. It is hurtful, discouraging and frightening. I have 25 experience in the field and it is such a shame they throw that away and are so descriminatory. I am starting to feel desperate. In this field it's truly who you know not what you know. I guess I need to think out of the box and look for Paramedic jobs outside of the hospital. Can anyone help me?
have you thought about teaching a class for Paramedic or emts sometimes they need teachers at tech schools or like colleges and places
Don't yell at me 'cause I am going to swear...Patti, you sure as hell do not look your age!!! As for your leg, are you telling prospective employers or putting that fact on an application? I will write more...I want to check the Americans w/Disability act to see what they say....I will get back to you tomorrow, May 23. Monica
Patti V. Do not loose hope yet there is something in work in mean time go see workforce commission and help you with fund's with job search and give you a few pointers to make you more marketable ,you may want to go back to school ,to take another carrier field regardless what you do stay focused on your life and well being eat good and exercise
I appreciate all the comments and suggestions. It hurts me to the core to think I have to "hide" being an amputee. I am well known in the area because there are very few amputee firefighters on the frontline. First it is hard to hide something so obvious. Secondly, it's who I am. I have worked hard to move forward and be the best Patti I can be. I like to think it's a positive thing and should be viewed as such. I'm a winner and an asset who can do anything not as being a useless, worthless burden. I have been working hard to stay positive and present myself as confident and relevant but after all these job seeking disappointments I am exhausted. Somebody out there has to say to themselves "I want her in my organization!!" Maybe they are on here. Maybe, for the first time in my life luck and chance will finally be mine.
Hi Patti, I can assist, Here it goes, Try to stay in city service buisness, They have a call center 911, is with the police but it may transfer city credits if is the same city. key note used your seniority. Union rules.police is the same and union is as strong as the law is made. I did 13 years union member. Service desk may be a killer but the end is all about the pension when your hard work is in your check. Check with the Union to see who they are related branches. You may be slight handicap but not mentally. Your smile is the key of confidence ,use it for your advantage. God bless and thanks for your awesome opening.Serg
The last CPR class I took was taught by a paramedic who was disabled! You will find a job! Because of your disability you will need to build yourself a team to help you succeed! Network with those that know your reputation. They will be able to do two things for you. Number one give reference that you are willing and able to work. Number two encourage employers to give you a chance. Hang in there you will find something. You have talent! It's a tough job market even for the young and able!
I know job at the Salvation Army and Goodwill hire people like you
Hay Patty! About working from home: www.flexjobs.com
Your experience could be highly utilized in customer service working for Humana or Aetna.
Hope this could help you out. God be with you. You are not along.
Hey you have you ever thought about going back to school maybe starting your own business finding jobs for other amputees you got talent you got the looks and brain and brawn you go girl and do you think out the box and pray and watch the doors open I did and I am just a 54 years old Security women!!!
Patti, the first thing is not to mention your amputee, after all you were able to perform your job all these years. Consider contacting an agency that helps people with disabilities find jobs. You may want to consider retirement.