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Re[5]: HP Job Shortage
I completely agree with Glen Vickers on the why and how he expresses
in his memo to radsafers on 4/5/96, with one exception. I have a
Bachelor's degree. Got it in 1969. At that time, I had no idea there
was such a thing as Health Physics, so my degree is unrelated to that
particular field. Finding no work, except teaching, for a science
related education, I went to work at a naval nuclear shipyard. I was
entered into the Radiation Protection Monitoring program (NAVSHIPS
389-0288), and fell in LOVE with the field of health physics. What a
glorious profession I thought, at the onset. Now, 27 years later, I
find my work tedious, boring, and a complete dead end. I burned out
in 1991. I was at the South Texas Project performing QA inspections,
surveillances, and audits. There was no where to go. I had helped
write the E-plan and procedures for TMI in 1979-1980 (no - run like
hell had not worked and needed to be amplified to NEW governmental
regulations, which now appear to be in jeapordy due to the government
deciding that electricity should be a commodity like pig jowls to be
sold at the lowest possible cost, but unlike tobacco no subsidy will
be offered), I even designed a short term interim low level
radioactive waste disposal facility for Waterford III (and I am not
even a silver injunear). Now, I have chosen to work for a state
government, because after 49 years (and being a part of the Hell no I
wont go generation) I have found out my father was right. If you want
to make changes you have to work from the inside.
The point of this is, I am enquiring into a mail order degree from
Regent's college, University of the State of New York, to supplement
my Bachelor's degree. I am applying 27 years of training and
experience, including a 10 week applied health physics course from Oak
Ridge Assoc. Univ., an HP Certification Review Course by Dr. Skrable,
and a bunch-a other training and experience. Why? Because my Bureau
Chief does not recognize my degree and my training as being equivalent
to a Bachelor's in Health Physics. SO, if I can by a degree, will
that make me any more qualified? Or is there anything else that
someone can suggest?
I am not going to enter my name or e-mail address to this because I do
not know if my Bureau chief is a subscriber. I am sure he can figure
out who I am, but that is up to him. If you (the Radsafers out there)
want to know who I am, just ask via Radsafe. I will be happy to tell
you exactly who I am and how I feel.
______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
Subject: Re[4]: HP Job Shortage
Author: radsafe@romulus.ehs.uiuc.edu at Internet
Date: 4/5/96 8:09 PM
I'm not jealous of anyone. Things generally mean more if they are
difficult to obtain...I guess my degree isn't worth as much as I
thought it was and that is a little disheartening.
Are we doing justice to our profession if anyone can get a mail order
degree?
I also understand that a degree is not a measure of common sense or
true ability either. When I grew up, I worked every construction
trade there is, and was involved in other electical and mechanical
things as well. Many of the kids I went to school and many people I
work with now can barely change a light bulb. In my everyday
professional and personal life I find that my relatively decent common
sense sprinkled with a little technical knowledge is what solves most
of the problems.
I am friend to all and enemy to none and I generally don't offend too
many people. I am only expressing my opinion. Dialogue is what
really makes this BBS work. Use it!
Glen Vickers
BRZGV@ccmail.ceco.com
______________________________ Reply Separator _________________________________
Subject: Re: Re[2]: HP Job Shortage
Author: "Bruce A. Busby" <bbusby@umich.edu> at INTERNET
Date: 4/5/96 6:56 AM
I guess my question is what is the difference between a nuclear engineer
and a health physicist? Few, if any health physics positions need the
mathmatics you had to go through as a nuc engineer.
You also should feel that you are better prepared than the other folks
you are jealous of, and should stress that during job interviews, resume,
ect.
I would say that not all programs in any sciece is the same, and people
need to choose wisely (doesn't happen) the program they go to.
Do you think the HPS should recognize schools that they deem are giving
correct education, with a seal of approval? I have wondered.
-Bruce Busby
On Thu, 4 Apr 1996 BRZGV@ccmail.ceco.com wrote:
> All university health physics programs are not alike either. Some programs
are
> in the school of health and some are in the college of engineering, namely
under
> nuclear engineering. I know of masters' programs that are not as difficult as
> some bachelor programs. My program was only 3 or 4 classes different from
> becoming a nuclear engineer and I have seen at least one masters' program that
> only required calculus I.
>
> I guess I felt cheated that others were getting the same degree with much less
> work...
>
>
> ______________________________ Reply Separator
_________________________________
> Subject: Re: HP Job Shortage
> Author: radsafe@romulus.ehs.uiuc.edu at INTERNET
> Date: 4/4/96 11:16 AM
>
>
> I would like to add another problem that I have observed in the past
> few years. A hospital, a university or any institution in the industrial
> sector requires that a person fill the position of RSO, but there is also
> a need for a "safety" person to conduct all other safety operations.
> Thus, an Industrial Hygenist is hired, having very little knowledge of
> Health Physics. Later, the Industrial Hygenist is sent to attend one of
> many courses for Radiation Safety Officers, and there you have a
> brand new HP with little knowledge and zero experience.
>
> But the argument is that the company is "saving" thousands of
> dollars, but they are creating a great potential for liability and a
> definite risk to the health of maybe thousands of employees.
>
>