09/10/2018
with
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Burnout is a real thing. Especially among healthcare providers. Between the hours, the documentation, the daily grind, and the fact that we do care and we give so much that sometimes it is hard not to burn out. I've probably burned out 4 to 5 times already in my career. But the toughest one was one that could not be avoided and it just so happened to be the first one...before I was even a practicing PT.
I was working as a PT Tech. I was working there after finishing my didactic work for my tDPT and attempting to study for the NPTE. My father had been having heart problems and needed a series of surgeries to clear some blockages in his arteries. During one of his surgeries, when attempting to remove a 100% blockage, he experienced an embolism, which was too much for his system, and he passed away.
Everyday I went to work at that hospital, I had to walk down the hallway and walk right past the room where my father passed away. This went on for three months before I finally asked myself what I was even doing with my life? Did I even want to become a physical therapist at that point? The window for the tDPT had closed on me and I had still not passed my board exam. I was experiencing burnout...before I had even practicing.
Luckily, my mom and dad raised me to have a pretty decent work ethic and taught me not go give up on things until they are finished. I passed my exam, traveled as a PT for my first year, and finished my tDPT through University of St Augustine. But burnout is a real thing, and if you acknowledge that it does indeed exist, that is the first step to overcoming it.
Some other tips I hope will help young clinicians: 1. Use your vacation time or paid time off. Its good to recharge away from work with friends and family 2. Find a hobby outside of your field. Escapism will do wonders. 3. Change it up and keep things interesting in the clinic. It will benefit you and your patients. 4. Don't internalize outcomes. As long as your give every patient your best , that is all you can do. 5. Don't get complacent. Continue to push yourself educationally, culturally, and occupationally.
