4 answers
sian
Student
Sedro-Woolley, Washington
2
Questions
Updated
290 views
what is something you didn't expect going into the medical field?
what is something you didnt expect going into this field?
what are your favorite parts of the day?
how do you feel emotionally helping people heal everyday?
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4 answers
Tara Smith
Flight Paramedic
3
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Tara’s Answer
I think the one thing that surprised me when I began in the medical field was how much the patients' families would affect me. They are hurting as well, and they often feel helpless. It is heartbreaking to see their suffering. When they see their loved one being treated with empathy and kindness it tends to bring them comfort during a difficult time. It is an honor and a privilege to care for someone's loved one.
My favorite part of the day is when I get that first flight in the helicopter. We never know where we will be called to or how sick/ injured the patient is, so we (the crew - pilot, nurse, paramedic) have to be prepared for anything.
Different situations and interactions with patients/their family can bring about different emotions. The worst thing to do is bury those emotions. My workplace encourages open dialogue about tough calls. They have support services and debriefing for us when we need it. Alternatively, most of our patient interactions are very positive and rewarding.
I hope that answered your question. 🙂
My favorite part of the day is when I get that first flight in the helicopter. We never know where we will be called to or how sick/ injured the patient is, so we (the crew - pilot, nurse, paramedic) have to be prepared for anything.
Different situations and interactions with patients/their family can bring about different emotions. The worst thing to do is bury those emotions. My workplace encourages open dialogue about tough calls. They have support services and debriefing for us when we need it. Alternatively, most of our patient interactions are very positive and rewarding.
I hope that answered your question. 🙂
Thank you, this is amazing! I really needed it.
sian
Kathleen Rezek
Laboratory and compliance
62
Answers
Stanwood, Michigan
Updated
Kathleen’s Answer
Hi, Sian. Thank you for a very thoughtful question. When I started working in clinical laboratories I didn't expect to bond with certain patients and be encouraged by some with the most serious health concerns. Working in oncology clinics, I found that those with life-threatening conditions were the most compassionate, caring and encouraging toward others. Their perspective on life had taken a major turn which helped teach me that every single day is precious, no matter what it holds.
My favorite times were delivering a good lab result that showed the person was healing. There was nothing better than that! Well, maybe the thank you hugs they would give. It was always hard when they took negative turns and lost their battle, but knowing I had done the best I could to give them more time with family and friends, that I learned to be more thankful and less crabby when hard things come, that is a true blessing. May you be guided to the perfect career path to help others and to grow personally.
Grace and peace,
Kathie
My favorite times were delivering a good lab result that showed the person was healing. There was nothing better than that! Well, maybe the thank you hugs they would give. It was always hard when they took negative turns and lost their battle, but knowing I had done the best I could to give them more time with family and friends, that I learned to be more thankful and less crabby when hard things come, that is a true blessing. May you be guided to the perfect career path to help others and to grow personally.
Grace and peace,
Kathie
Loved reading this, thanks!
sian
Martin Schoen
APRN
282
Answers
Ocala, Florida
Updated
Martin’s Answer
I'm truly passionate about the healthcare field and take immense pride in the contributions I've been able to make. However, I find myself less enthusiastic about the "corporate" side of things, where numbers and financial gains seem to take precedence. The extensive paperwork and extended computer time, whether it's for documentation to maximize reimbursements or to shield myself from potential legal issues, can be quite draining. It's also frustrating to see government interventions that seem to favor insurance companies more than the patients. Unfortunately, consumer protections seem to be lacking in this area. Despite these challenges, the satisfaction I derive from being able to clearly explain and assist a patient and their family is truly rewarding.
Thank you for giving me advice.
sian
Hear hear. Well said, Martin. Massive and ever-increasing documentation and computer time [but that's true in many fields]. The need for "defensive medicine" [try to avoid lawsuits]. This is the "dark matter" of a job/practice in the medical field. But I'm still glad that I chose my career, I still loved it, and if you decide you can live with the downside, if it's something you truly love, you will be glad too.
Perry Zuckerman
So true Martin. Definitely the downside of healthcare. I spend more time charting than I do on patient care religiously.
Tara Smith
Hwal Lee
DMSc, PA-C
227
Answers
Albany, New York
Updated
Hwal’s Answer
Sian,
Firstly, I'm with Martin about the administrative burden in medicine. It's difficult to express how demoralising this can be.
Despite one of my professors saying to our class during every single lecture, I was pleasantly surprised by one aspect of doing what I do, which is making tough decisions. And everyone around me trusts and replies on me to make these decisions every day. Some decisons are directly related to medical care, and others run the gamut. In the end though, it's just as difficult to express how much I enjoy helping fellow human beings with all the tools I have, including all the support from my medical practice.
Hwal
Firstly, I'm with Martin about the administrative burden in medicine. It's difficult to express how demoralising this can be.
Despite one of my professors saying to our class during every single lecture, I was pleasantly surprised by one aspect of doing what I do, which is making tough decisions. And everyone around me trusts and replies on me to make these decisions every day. Some decisons are directly related to medical care, and others run the gamut. In the end though, it's just as difficult to express how much I enjoy helping fellow human beings with all the tools I have, including all the support from my medical practice.
Hwal
Thank you for sharing your perspective.
sian