Some individuals embark on incredible journeys to make a real impact on the lives of others. One of these individuals is Katie McCann, a registered paramedic for 16 years. She shares her unique perspective that goes beyond the traditional allied health roles.

In this article, we'll delve into Katie's journey, exploring how she got into the field, her paramedic career's highs and lows, challenges, and her transition to a new path as a Breastfeeding Counselor. Gain valuable insights from her experiences and be inspired by her unwavering dedication to helping others.

Questions and answers

Katie is a proud mother of two delightful children. As a former paramedic, she's seen it all. That's why she values the importance of health and wellness for families firsthand. But when life threw her a curveball, she didn't let it bring her down. Instead, she channeled her passion for breastfeeding, health, and wellness into her blog "From Bump to Bubble"! Let's peek at what she's shared and learn more about her unique journey.

1. How did you get into the field?

Katie: “I was drawn to the paramedic profession out of a deep desire to make a tangible difference in people's lives. The idea of being on the front lines, providing immediate care in critical situations, was both challenging and appealing. After completing my training and becoming HCPC (Health and Care Professions Council) registered, I embarked on what would become a 13-year journey in the field.”

1. What do you like and dislike most about the job?

Katie: ‘What I loved most about being a paramedic was the direct impact I could have on someone's worst day. Every call was an opportunity to provide care, comfort, and potentially life-saving interventions. The gratitude from the patients and their families were immeasurable. However, the job also came with its challenges. The emotional toll, witnessing trauma, and the unpredictability of each shift could be draining. Additionally, the long hours and physical demands of the job were often taxing.”

1. What were some challenges you encountered when entering the field?

Katie: “When I first entered the field, the most significant challenges were coping with shift work (including days and nights) plus adapting to the unpredictable nature of the job. No two days were the same, and I had to be prepared for any situation. The emotional weight of certain calls, especially those involving children or severe trauma, was something I had to learn to manage. Building resilience, seeking support from colleagues, and focusing on self-care became essential components of my career.

Last month, I made the decision to let my HCPC registration expire, marking the end of an era for me. However, the lessons, experiences, and memories from my time as a paramedic will always remain close to my heart. Over the past year or so, I have embarked on a new career as a Breastfeeding Counselor and now have a website called ‘From Bump to Bubble’ where I combine my passion for helping women during their pregnancy and breastfeeding journey with my experience in healthcare.”

Takeaways

Katie's transition from a paramedic to a breastfeeding counselor is genuinely inspiring. It demonstrates the profound influence that healthcare professionals with empathy and dedication can have on people's lives. Whether responding to emergencies or supporting new mothers during their breastfeeding journey, caring hearts like Katie's make all the difference. With her experience, we can agree on three things:

• Diverse career paths in healthcare: Katie's story illustrates the vast array of career options there are in healthcare. It's amazing how she went from being a paramedic to a breastfeeding counselor, proving that healthcare professionals can follow their dreams and pursue their passions.

• Emotional resilience and self-care: Katie's experiences as a paramedic reflect the demanding nature of healthcare professions and their challenges.  But she didn't let it get her down. Instead, she found ways to stay strong, like building her emotional resilience, seeking support from her coworkers, and caring for herself. It's an excellent example for anyone looking to work in healthcare and a reminder of how important it is to take care of your mental health in tough jobs like this.

• Continuous learning and adaptability: Katie has gained so much wisdom from her time as a paramedic, and one of the most important things she's learned is the value of being adaptable. Her transition to breastfeeding counseling is a perfect example of how she's always eager to learn and put her healthcare expertise to work in new and different ways. It's inspiring to see how versatile healthcare professions can be and how much potential there is for growth and advancement.

Start your healthcare adventure today if you’re like Katie with a heart to serve others. Explore diverse healthcare careers and discover your path through Dreambound. Your future in healthcare is within reach and waiting for you to seize it!