Came home from work late today…again.
I’m passionate about my job as a psychiatrist and spent about two hours with each patient that I was called to consult on the medical floor this weekend. Lunch and dinner were an afterthought. I felt the hunger pangs, but pushed on because the appreciation received from each patient for taking time to understand their situation made hypoglycemia worthwhile.
Today, I spent several hours on a complicated case. Coordination of care took place, notes thoroughly written, and necessary calls made. I left the clinic with a goal to leave work behind. However, the patient is still on my mind. Accepting that I can’t save a patient is one of the most difficult aspects of my job. No words of appreciation expected, no reassurance of their safety, no guarantee of tomorrow.
I can’t cure, I can’t heal, I can’t save, but it would be out of my character not to at least try.
30 comments
Hey girl, Such a poignant description of the terribly complicated work we do. Please try not to use the word “can’t”……you do not know what you can and cannot do in terms of the impact you have on a person’s life. We may never know. And you are right about ‘trying’. Long ago I decided that is what I want on my gravestone….”She Tried….RIP” Keep your integrity. We are in the same club.
You will . . .
…eventually in this lifetime, i hope 🙂
I love this post … That fact that you try renews hope in compassion, and caring, which seem like distant memories in Today’s world. It is so hard to leave work at work, and home at home, the two will overlap at some point. You may not be able to heal, cure, or save, but You do make a positive difference in the lives of others, and just being there for them is probably more than they have ever experienced before. Stay strong, keep doing what you are doing because … You ARE the difference 🙂
thanks so much for your positive, thoughtful comment 🙂
Better to try and take risks 🙂 And it applies to life in general as well!
thx for the comment…and i totally agree!
I love how you portray our profession in the most authentic ways, whether it’s a positive reflection or frustrating reality. There is so much value in what we do, and we have to remind ourselves that even if the impact isn’t externally obvious or appreciated, we somehow made a difference in the deepest part of others and/or ourselves.
Love you Sis!
Sounds like your patients are lucky to have you. You make the world a better place through your work even if you don’t feel it every day.
thanks so much for your comment. i try my best and hope to have a positive impact
It’s always good to know that people are out there giving shits. I hope you continue to do so.
However, do not wear yourself out. You’re no good to anybody if you can’t maintain.
Well said. I’m maintaining so far to continue doing what i’m doing. thx for the comment
All that can be asked of you is to give your best to everything you do.
yes very true…and be accepting of the outcome. thx for the comment alex
Do your best and you will receive the best. Without “fail” we cannot comprehend “success”. You are enough just as you are. Accept the truth is simple, and you are making a great contribution to the world fulfilling your life purpose. Be the way you are, no need to try or change anything. Love and happy New Year! A:)ex
well put. thanks alex…and happy new year to u as well!
wonderful blog!
I love your blog. I have nominated you for The Very Inspiring Blogger Award. Please see here for more http://thebeliefblog.com/awards/the-very-inspiring-blogger-award/. Love to you!
Aww thank you so much for the nomination!
You’re very welcome! Keep up your passions, share them and believe in yourself. Love, A:)ex
Hey, don’t take work home. Don’t spend two hours with a client. Acceptance is the key word, as you said. Accepting what you can do as a professional, seeing what’s possible, and seeing it all objectively. (I know I’m being blunt and harsh).
sometimes it’s good to be blunt rather than sugar-coating. thx for the comment!
Greetings from Australia,
I feel fo you but admire you compassion for your clients. Your profession is extremely challenging in man ways; as a physiotherapist I do get the chance to heal and cure which is extremely rewarding within the realm of musculoskeletal injuries. But it’s the compassion that you have for your clients that will impact them in ways that you will not know and make not immediate. You have a great attitude anda love disposition which I love in people when I experience it.
God bless you
thank u konstantine! that’s wonderful you’re of a profession of healing. mental health professionals contribute to a healing process, which often isn’t immediate nor concrete, as you said. some days are grueling, but i feel blessed everyday to work in this profession
Well spoken indeed, you are sowing seeds, sometimes the harvest is apparent whereas other times it yields fruit more slowly. But know this a heart full of humility and love will always yield a fruitful harvest. 🙂
You said something to me that lept in my spirit …”I left the clinic with a goal to leave work behind. However, the patient is still on my mind.” Perhaps this is the answer to and the reason why Father God closed the doors on my MSW pursuits. Ummm I’m going to ponder this one: knowing my boundaries in the area of caring for or helping others.
Thank you for sharing your experience.😊
thx so much for your comment. maintaining boundaries is an ongoing challenge and you’ll find a range of clinicians that are either so detached/numb and those who cross boundaries and break down on a regular basis. if becoming a MSW is your goal, welcome the unique opportunity to balance helping others and learning more about yourself each day 🙂
Subconsciously we’re drawn to professions that we ourselves need to heal through. As a healer myself, I find success to be most powerful when I put myself in the spotlight of healing.
Blessings…
Psychiatry is a difficult profession. But yes you can. You can help. You can care!
🙂
Thanks for your comment and positive thoughts! 🙂