Pros
Was able to work in a busy inner-city emergency department Learned lots of patient care skills and worked directly with nurses, physicians, and surgeons. VCU occasionally took steps to keep employees safe such as installing metal detectors in the ED. Wonderful coworkers for the most part. Generally non-toxic work environment.
Cons
Extremely hard work. At least a hundred patients on most days coming in. ED no longer goes on diversion, patient flow never stops. 12 hour shifts triaging patients are extremely tiresome and grueling. No room for growth as a PCT. Low pay for EMTs. A new hire CNA made $2 more per hour than an EMT with experience. Occasionally unsafe medical practices in the ED, though this is largely a byproduct of the monumental patient volume.