...just a quick question...

13 June 2007

...and a little something to think about.... (really only relevant to the SA readers of my blog... but possibly interesting just the same)....

... Would YOU consider Paramedics to be professionals? ...and therefore would you expect them to be paid as professionals?

If you are unsure.... let me give you a little background....

This is a job that requires a university degree...an internship...and ongoing training and annual re-accreditation.... this is a job where individuals work autonomously....they make decisions and initiate treatment based on their own knowledge.... this is a job where we can not control our environment and often work subject to the weather and other hazards.....
...this is also a job that is paid significantly less than Nurses... (nothing against Nurses either ...I was one for 11 years...) but unfortunatley our Government does not recognise Paramedics as professionals.

SO....yesterday I travelled to Adelaide along with 6 other Paramedics from this region to take part in the Ambulance Employees Union stop work meeting.... it was a a huge attendance...over 400 employees packed into the entertainment centre ... where the Governments recent pay offer was rejected...as it still fails to recognise us as professionals!!

Lets hope in two weeks...when hopefully a new offer comes to the table...we are recognised as deserved and paid accordingly..
...sorry ramble over...I really wanted to get that down...if nothing else than to record it for my own sake....and Yes!!...I was on TV... channel nine I believe...my Brother sent a text to say he had seen me...

..and without tooting my own horn.... and trying to sound modest without screaming WAAAAAAAAAHOOOOOOOOOOO! ...I am very excited to get the cover of SC this month.... something I had no idea about...until I heard rumours on the forums.... it is very exciting...and thanks for all the lovely congratulations.....it was sooo lovely to see that my friends noticed..and took the time to let me know.
... so here is my layout...which actually contains hidden journalling... within the envelope....and I think kinda makes the title more appropriate...lol ...and of course its a layout of the 'hot water' monsters...

...and see this little peak..doesnt it look cute... interesting...want to know what its about...hehe... then check it out here....

..well...Im off to do some sewing.... Im feeling anxious and stressed for no reason at all... I think its hormonal...cause I could honestly cry at the drop of a hat tonight...and probably will...Mardi xx

17 comments

  1. WOW Mardi. CONGRATULATIONS!!! A cover is awesome!!! I'm so proud of you. :) I knew you before you were famous. :) I can't wait to see it.

    I can't believe Paramedics are paid less than nurses!!! Wow. I assumed they were paid more. As an outsider the responsibility seems greater with paramedics. Good luck!!!!

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  2. CONGRATS!! A cover, how exciting is that, the layout is awesome as all your work is :)

    It really annoys me that states differ so much with their wages. My BIL is a paramedic in Victoria, and whilst I dont know his exact wage I know they are living pretty easy, with two adult children in uni.

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  3. Anonymous9:37 pm

    I think paramedics are professionals. and I too can't believe they are paid less than nurses. Its a very hard profession to get into so I'm baffled they're not paid as such.

    CONGRATS on making the cover, you clever girl

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  4. Hi Mardi!

    I really hope you get the recognition you so truly deserve! It's rediculous that you don't get paid more...my hubby is a helicopter pilot for Careflight and works with paramedics everyday and he's always telling me about the amazing job they do. My hat goes off to you and I hope you get good news soon. Congrats again for the cover - looks awesome and is just so exciting!!!

    Sheree xx

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  5. "CONGRATULATIONS MARDI" on your cover........woo hoo how exciting for you.

    I am not from SA but I think paramedics are professionals, your job is so very important, I can't believe you are paid less than nurses, I hope you guys get the pay rise you all well deserve.

    Take care
    Cherie xx

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  6. Congrats on the cover - what a thrill, especially as it was a complete suprise!!!

    Yes parametics should definately be recognised as proffessionals. It makes me furious that proffessions such as yours, and childcare workers etc, are seen as second rate in terms of pay, compared to doctors and teachers. They are are the front line, caring for/saving lives - their importance shoud definately be recognised.
    Nic xxx

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  7. ooops that was meant to read ..as nurses and teachers LOL

    Nic xxx

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  8. paramedics as professionals? Absolutely. I was shocked to learn that they aren't recognised as such Mardi. I do hope that your profession WILL get that recognition and pay rise you all so deserve!

    And a cover!! Woo hoo. Good on you. I haven't seen it at the shops yet. But will be going searching:))
    KIMxxxx

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  9. PS lovin' that new banner too:))

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  10. Anonymous10:19 am

    I too can't believe Paramedics are paid less than nurses. That's so wrong!

    Sending you lots of good luck and positive vibes that the next pay offer will be much more reasonable.

    Your saving lives for goodness sake. If that's not deserving of a decent salary then I don't know what is.

    Fabulous news about you getting a magazine cover. Brilliant Mardi, I'm so excited for you. I can't wait to get my copy in the mail and see it up close.

    Have a nice day and do something fun to cheer yourself up xxxooo

    Love from Susan (smiles1965) at Scrapboxx

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  11. My beautiful friend has her very first cover...way to go! I am so so so pround of you Mardi and so happy for you. You are such a talented woman and are an inspiration to us all out there in the scrapbook world! You totally deserve this cover. I know that you pour your heart and your soul into your scrapping and it has paid off! Well done again...hope to catch up soon. We can have a celebration drink! Champers here we come!!
    Luv Belinda
    xxx

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  12. Anonymous4:52 pm

    Doing a happy dance for you Mardi!! That's the most fantastic news congratulations!!

    And like the others, yes, Paramedics should be recognised as professionals - it must be one of the most stressful jobs, and it's not right that you get such little pay.

    xMichelle

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  13. Congrats on the cover Mardi!!! So exciting!!! That's shocking about paramedics!!!

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  14. Anonymous6:58 pm

    hi there
    totally agree on the professionalism of your career, so i hope things change over there. and the cover
    you KNOW im doing the happy dance for you :)j

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  15. Congratulations on the cover Mardi - I think that is a monumental buzz and I am so pleased you got it...bet you get more down the track too!

    I've got my brother here at the moment and am doing a quick blog catch up while he makes some phone calls lol...I agree with everyone wholeheartedly. Paramedics should MOST CERTAINLY be recognised as professionals. Apart from you, I have another friend who has chosen this as his career and the things he has to deal with and see first hand....it's a monumental job you guys do. I can't believe you even have to go through all these meetings and procedures to make some noise and be recognised...it should just be a given.

    Megan xx

    PS congrats again on the cover!! It's awesome!!

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  16. congrats on the cover Mardi, I got my SC today and it looks awesome!

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  17. Congrats on the cover Mardi! Was only a matter of time, and I am sure it wont be the last :)

    Hope you get what you deserve through the stop work meeting, paramedics save lives!

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