The Healer Needs Healing Too
I’m sure a lot of you probably know that I’m a respiratory therapist. I’m a front-line worker in the middle of a pandemic (COVID-19). As a medical professional the job within itself is demanding and now the COVID-19 crisis is here, the demand of my job is intensifying more. We are coming up on the one-year anniversary of battling this virus. Not only are we battling the virus but we are battling being understaffed, overworked, and sometimes underpaid. Going to work and not knowing how your day will begin is a test within itself. There are mornings where I am the only therapist responsible for 12 patients that are on life support. I fill my mornings with not only caring for these 12 critically ill patients but also adhering to doctor’s orders. A day as a medical professional can be very overwhelming, for instance, not having enough staff to care for these patients. Because of this shortage in staff, providing adequate care for these patients can be a struggle when you are taking care of one and your other patient condition is declining.
Physically, this can be draining. There are nights when I come home and my feet are literally on fire from standing all day. I remember one night when I got off from work it swelled my feet from all the walking, running, standing that I did at work. Emotionally, it’s draining. Sometimes I didn’t take a lunch break: imagine running on “E” with an empty stomach.
To help with the demands of my jobs, I have created a life support regime for myself. 1. Take a break! Found that taking a 15 minute break helps me regroup. I was so accustomed to not taking a break that I was literally running on empty. I now step away from my unit to take a walk through the hospital and regroup. 2. Invest in your self care outside of work. Spend time with your loved ones. Make reservations at your favorite restaurant. I have invested in seeking therapy for myself because I felt like my work life was affecting my home life. 3. Take care of your body! Get adequate sleep and rest. 4. It’s okay to say no! I used to be the one that was so quick to sign up for overtime when we were short. It caused me to frustrated while going into work on my days off when I could be home resting and rejuvenating myself. Learn how to create healthy/professional boundaries for yourself.
I was reading a post that stated the “healers need healing too”. Often we put the needs of others before the needs of ourselves, which causes us to become depleted. I know I was there, but the strategies I have implemented have helped me a lot and it helped me become a better medical provider to my patients as well. Remember, take care of yourself before you take care of others!
In closing, I have enclosed a small prayer; Father God, we ask that You give strength to those whose calling is to help heal the sick. I pray that every day when their feet hits the ground they will receive daily strength to complete the task ahead. While they are caring for the sick, I pray a hedge of protection over them: You would keep their bodies free of any viruses and or illness! I pray for serenity of peace over their minds! I pray for courage as they continue to battle this virus in knowing that this too shall pass. For Your glory, in honor of Your purposes, and according to Your will I pray… Amen.”
Until Next Time,
Genina J