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While on the treadmill at the gym this weekend (#SundayRunday) I noticed those anxiety-inducing red flashing lights approaching the parking lot. As the ambulance pulled up to the door, I joined the rest of the sweaty folk looking around to see what was going on.

The duo of paramedics carried their bags and walked past the front desk to a back room. They walked with intention, but they were walking, not running. A woman beside me commented sarcastically to her friend, “geez, don’t hurry or anything.” Her friend laughed and they both rolled their eyes.

Walk, don’t run.

What they failed to realize, is that the paramedics were walking because that’s what they’re trained to do. Nurses, police officers, firefighters and paramedics are all taught that it is more important to stay focused and safe than it is to rush to the scene. They know all too well that when we rush, we fail to factor in the crucial details required to do the job.

As paramedics are leaving the station, they review the information relayed from the 911 call. On the way there, they take the quickest but safest route. When they arrive, they ensure they get into the building safely, often relying on other essential services to clear the area of hazards or danger. Every move they make is calculated for efficiency and safety. Why? Because if a paramedic breaks her ankle before getting to you, she won’t be much help.

Monday Morning Fires

Fast forward to this morning and I’m pulling into the parking lot at work. (I’m sure I’m not alone in my Monday morning rush.) By the time I’m scanning my card to enter the building, I’m already thinking about what needs to be accomplished and what “fires” I might need to put out. I’ve lost count of the times I’ve fallen UP the stairs, in a rush to get to the next thing on my task list.

But if firefighters don’t run into a building, why do I feel I should? As important as I like to believe I am, my job is not as urgent as putting out actual fires. Wouldn’t my time be better used focusing on working as efficiently as possible?

It’s not always selfish to put yourself first. We could all benefit from taking better care of ourselves so we can be of better service to our employees and colleagues.

(And don’t worry, the girl who required medical attention at the gym was just fine)

Are you on the hunt for an internship? Are you already employed, but thinking your life might be better if you quit your job and instead got paid to Instagram for three weeks? Well then, hold on to your iPhones.

Royal Caribbean UK & Ireland will be hiring one savvy photographer this summer for its new “intern-ship” program, according to Conde Nast Traveler. This lucky human will get to spend three weeks between June and July 2017 setting sail with Royal Caribbean and documenting their adventures all over Instagram. The intern will board Ovation of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas and Freedom of the Seas and travel to Beijing, New York, and Barcelona, respectively, with all of their daily expenses covered.

The intern will also receive 3,000 British pounds ($3,723) in prize money and get “complimentary access to climbing walls, Flowrider, restaurants, swimming pools, zip wires, water-slides and onboard fitness facilities.”

All you have to do to apply is post a “most extraordinary” travel photo or video to Instagram and tag @RoyalCaribbeanUK and #ExtraordinaryExplorer. Applicants must be at least 21, own an iPhone, and have “extensive knowledge of all 23 filters.” Apply here before applications close on Jan. 31.

STANDARDS FOR ACCREDITATION OF ADVANCED PRACTICE PROGRAMS IN RESPIRATORY CARE

The Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC) has completed the development of Standards for Accreditation of Advanced Practice Programs in Respiratory Care.

The Advanced Practice Respiratory Therapist (APRT) is a credentialed, licensed respiratory care practitioner trained to provide a scope of practice that exceeds that of the registered respiratory therapist. After obtaining the NBRC RRT credential, the aspiring APRT must successfully complete a CoARC-accredited graduate level education and training program that enables the APRT to provide advanced, evidence-based, diagnostic and therapeutic clinical practice and disease management.

CLICK HERE to view a PDF copy of the APRT Standards (effective 11/13/16).

In the hunt for a new opportunity or gainful employment, it’s best to start at the top. Wednesday morning, U.S. News and World Report released its 2017 list of the 100 best jobs.

More than half of the 100 best jobs are linked to health care. Dentist was at the top of the list, followed by nurse practitioner and physician assistant. Several medical positions also topped the list of best-paying jobs.