b'|CAREERT he listlessness could happen to anyrediscovering the passion in healthcare doesntin healthcare. 2health professional anytime in a career.happen as one seismographic wave of excite- The next time you find yourself tired, worn A sudden downturn in excitement andment, but rather as the unique way patientsout, bereft of compassion read a story or two zest for work, fatigue from lengthy hours, evenremember what we do for them whenever weabout what a patient found delightful about a the physical drain of moving or caring forinteract. 3 caregiver. Ive included one in the bibliography. patients. Suddenly, you no longer feel the pas- They may not remember names, but theyDont fall down the stairs yourself, take my sionate drive for performing healthcare. Yourewill remember a touch, or the way we com- word for it. Every single day, someone, some-burned out, exhausted, and drained. You feelforted them when they were in pain. I remem- where is making an invaluable contribution. the need for change, a break, maybe a newber the lovely baritone serenade of a PhysicalRediscovering the passion? Its a touch, a soft career entirely. Is it time? Should you throw inTherapist who not only consoled me throughword, maybe a compassionate look, or reassur-the towel, or will these feelings pass? many days in therapy, but also sang to meance when its needed. 1This happened to me, and I had just madewhen I longed to be back at work instead ofToday it could be all about rediscovering a position change. I was barely into a new roledoing strengthening exercises. I rememberyou. nas a Clinical Educator and I really enjoyeda Phlebotomist who didnt understand the the interaction. I wasnt losing touch with mycomplexities of BPPV, but she was patient andDiane Goodman, RN, MSN-C, CCRN, CNRN, passion for Nursing, but I was fatigued. Thewaited for the room to stop spinning until sheis a semi-retired Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, long hours and expectations were rough,tried to draw my blood for the second timewith over 40 years of full-time nursing expe-especially as I was fresh from a life of privatewhen the first draw was unsuccessful. 1 rience. Although she no longer works full-time practice, where the hours had been arduousI remember a transporter who spoke myas a Clinical Educator, she has maintained an and physically draining. My mind was fresh,name very softly as she covered my eyes withactive status as a Nursing Journalist & consul-but my physical self was drained, kaput, run- a warm washcloth on the way to a CT scanner,tant during the last few years, writing and collab-ning out of steam for the long haul. My mouthknowing that I had a head injury from a fall. Iorating with nurses around the globe.kept saying yes when my body wanted tonever knew her name, but her soft touch and proclaim the opposite, a common denom- comforting ways stay with me to this day. ThatREFERENCESinator for healthcare professionals, whetheris what healthcare should be, someone whoaacn.orgThe Nurse As Patient. Norton, T., March 7, they are Nursing Assistants, Phlebotomists,gets it. Speak softly to a patient in pain. Maybe2018. American Association of Critical Care Nurses. Respiratory Therapists, Physical Therapists,they cannot be given an analgesic just yet, but@ aacn.orgetc. a warm cloth and soft words do wonders untilhealthcaredailyonline.com Top 5 Benefits of Working It was exactly three months into this rolethey can be medicated. in The Medical Field. February 12, 2015. when my physical self decided it neededMy shoulder didnt do as well as it couldMayoclinic.org Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo to respond in a more pronounced fashion.have. In healthcare we always seem to need a(BPPV). Mayo Clinic. mayoclinic.orgArriving home (late) as usual, trying to com- Plan B, a Plan C, or a place off the beaten path plete the alternate shift nursing competen- entirely. Once I was back to work, energized, cies, my foot missed a step. I tripped, mostfilled with new ideas and sudden insight, my3-Day ignominiously, and went down hard, tryingshoulder began to ache and sob for attention. to catch myself with my hands. As PhysicalLuckily, my provider understood somethingECMO Training Therapists will tell you, this is how rotator cuffwas wrong, and a cortisone injection seemedavailable at injuries and wrist fractures may occur. On theto do the trick. He also reminded me not to be way down, I also managed to give my head atoo hard on myself, something healthcare pro- Thomas Jeffersongood crack on the last stair of hardwood, see- viders seem to naturally excel in doing. Universitying a wondrous display of stars and lights forMy experience on the other side has been my efforts! repeated enough in literature to demonstrateJune 7-9When healthcare workers put their effortshow quickly patients remind healthcare pro-into doing something, they put their heart andviders exactly how pivotal we are within the soul into it. Studies show that slips, trips, anddelivery system. We are the passion in health- Continuing education credits available.falls are one of the primary workplace acci- care. We are the absolute glue. Without thoseFor more information, visit:dents that happen to us as we age. For my nov- at the bedside who offer compassionate care,Jefferson.edu/ECMOice event, I waited until arriving home, but ithealthcare is only a business of service without was no less traumatic. Yes, I tore my left rotatorthe nurturing or the humanity. Its as dry as cuff, additionally I spent several months suffer- dust, tired, robotic, and quite unfriendly. It has ing from BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positionalbeen said, you dont have to be a brain surgeon Vertigo) from that whack to my skull. Whatto make a difference in someones life. You happened along the way was the most import- could be a Nursing Assistant, a Phlebotomist,HOME OF SIDNEY KIMMEL MEDICAL COLLEGEant lesson, for what I learned as a patient is thata Therapist, a Pharmacist. You could be anyone www.elitecme.com |2019| HEALTHCARE CAREERS 17'