Dealing with Healthcare Burnout

Encouragement for the day

2011-02-09T07:36:00.004-05:00

Don't Quit
by Anonymous

When things go wrong as they sometimes will;
When the road you're trudging seems all uphill;
When the funds are low, and the debts are high
And you want to smile, but have to sigh;
When care is pressing you down a bit-
Rest if you must, but do not quit.

Success is failure turned inside out;
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt;
And you can never tell how close you are
It may be near when it seems so far;
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit-
It's when things go wrong that you must not quit.

Book Review...Anxiety Lie

2011-02-07T08:24:00.000-05:00

The Anxiety Lie - another inspiring book from the author of Driving Fear Program and The Panic Puzzle, Rich Presta promises to take you on a journey of self-discovery and self-rejuvenation. Are you one amongst those who are challenged with frequent or occasional anxiety attacks or have seen a dear one trying to stop anxiety and panic attacks in silence?

Rich Presta in his thought-provoking book, The Anxiety Lie Program has adapted to an innovative 'plan' to beat anxiety attacks. This goes beyond the usual pills and medications, magic potions or hypnosis; but to 'Use Knowledge as a Power'. Power to understand your fears that triggers panic attack and all the anxiety lies you have been told or you tell yourself.
Why choose the Anxiety Lie Program
Anxiety is a condition that makes one live constantly under fear of subjugation and occasionally skidding off to a panic mode. Thereafter, you may be facing the challenge of breaking free from the protective wall you or those close to you tend to build around you.
Rich Presta, a crusader and a winner himself attempts to bring you face-to-face with the tribulations of anxiety and panic attacks; your fight within and finally the conquest of your self-belief in overcoming anxiety attacks. His program is a breakthrough anxiety program. It is a process to make you confident of combating the fear of the unknown and beat anxiety attacks.
This book on The Anxiety Lie Program is an honest attempt to get to the root cause of anxiety rather than just coping with the symptom of anxiety attacks. Rich Presta here urges all those suffering from anxiety or panic attack (and even those feigning ignorance about their inherent problem) to realize the TRUTH that has led to this complex condition.
Anxiety Lie - The Inside Story
Rich Presta in his book attempts to make a calculative yet aggressive progression in dealing with anxiety. In the first segment of the book - 'The Lies They Tell You', Rich Presta makes a honest attempt to reveal the psychology of all those who sort of tried to camouflage the 'truth' and tell lies regarding your anxiety attacks and tribulations; considering you as fragile to acceptance and notwithstanding the risk of causing pain or stress.
In the next segment of the book demarcated as 'The Lies You Tell Yourself', the author transfers all responsibilities to beat anxiety attacks on you. Here, the emphasis is, on breaking free from your self proclaimed notion of having overpowered anxiety. It can in other words also be considered a classic case of self-deception and lies in justifying the cover-up of your inherent fears and invulnerability over anxiety and panic attacks.
The closing chapter of the Anxiety Lie program 'The Truth' promises to take you to the next level of overcoming anxiety by discovering 'Yourself' through self discovery, self realization and self rejuvenation. However, unlike being 'warm and fuzzy', the anxiety lie program unravels the myth and the reality of breaking free from the comfort zone that fiercely guards your inherent fears and propels panic attacks.

Snow ,Snow, Snow, oh NO

2011-02-07T06:43:00.002-05:00

If you live in New England, you may be tired of snow. Its great for snowmobilers, tourists, and winter enthusists, however for the healthcare workers, it can be a bad dream, unless you are lucky enoough to be on vacation.

They say keep an emergency bag in your car for accidents, well they don't tell you to bring one for work. I think there should be a class for everyone going into healthcare to inform them of some of the "obstacles" you will face. First, you will need a class on how to operate fax machines, printers, phones and computers. Unfortunately, they are all different, so it is just something you will stumble through. Nowadays, most facilities are computerized, and for us oldies but goodies, this is a challenge. This technology did not exist in this extent. I call this generational healthcare. It can be difficult to all work together, but what a wealth of knowledge combined.
One of the really important realities however, is the fact your scheduled shift, is only a guideline. After over 15 years in nursing, it was very rare that I got out early. It is stressful knowing that if your replacemenet does not show up, guess what? you are required to wait for a replacement, if there is one?! Storms are the worst. Many a night, I have actually spent the night because the help couldn't get in, and we couldn't get out.
Although alot of us, I am sure, would still pursue are career, it is important to be aware. Most of us got into healthcare because we want to help people, it definately was not the salary!
We know there are many positive reasons why we chose our careers, and that is another dqys talk. But for all you healthcare candidates, please take a note of this side you don't really hear about. Healthcare is a very rewarding career, I wish you success. As far as the northeast, we have had enough snow, please just go!

Click here for the Magic word

2011-01-31T12:13:00.003-05:00

This is a great article I wanted to share. Your personal experiences or advice is always welcome!

2011-01-30T09:44:00.002-05:00

PayBox

Mindfulness exercise

2011-01-29T16:32:00.001-05:00

Four Minutes of Peace

2011-01-29T16:15:00.004-05:00

Most of us are aware of what we should do to deal with stress and emotions. We teach are patients everyday, but it is next to impossible sometimes to follow our own teachings. We have lots of excuses, some reasonable, however the biggest obstacle is time. What if in just four minutes, you could refresh your mind and have a little peace?

Well, you can. Mindfulness, a form of meditation, can be done anywhere, anytime. It is centering, bringing yourself into the now, that exact moment. You can experience this even with only a minute or two. Do you ever eat candy at work? Well, here is another suggestion. Instead of chewing a piece of chocolate, let it dissolve in your mouth, fully enjoying the taste, and just being in the now. It is a quick refresh. It works with all the senses. Calming sounds, sweet scents, pleasant views, tastes, and textures. Give it a try. Have an open mind and give yourself a moment of peace. After all, we deserve it! Have other suggestions?! Let us know.

Stress Burnout, An International Issue?

2011-01-24T11:36:00.002-05:00

Hello current and new followers. Thanks for joining us today. Do you ever think that burnout is an international issue? Well, I must admit that I never really gave it much thought. It seems while you are experiencing Burnout, you usually feel alone, unless you have a fellow worker who can relate.

As I was reviewing my audience stats, I had an eye opening experience. I was suprised to see so many followers from different Countries. Let me list them for you
US, Romania, UK, Pakistan, India, Bulgaria, Italy, Malaysia, Australia, Russia, Poland, Thailand, and Brazil. If I missed your Country, I apologize. It would be wonderful for followers near and far, to post some experiences, suggestions, questions, or areas we would like to explore.
This blog is a work in progress. We are always open to suggestions . We will try to post funny videos, jokes, experiences, etc. to try to keep the mood lite and encouraging. Suggestions on stress management will be up and coming, I am sure everyone has some experience with this, however health care workers are great at giving advise, but horrible at following it. Isn't that the truth?!

Funny Medical Chart Bloopers - Chart Farts Issue #3

2011-01-24T10:14:00.003-05:00

Remember When???

2011-01-20T17:27:00.005-05:00

When was the last time you actually looked forward going to work? When was the last time you actually got out of work on time? Employer demanding you to punch out on time, however the workload is to great, so you skip all your breaks in hopes that you get out somewhat on time, but that never works either.

What about the babysitter? Late minutes equals late fees. However the greater fear is warnings about consistent lateness...having to find new sitter if you are unable to be on time. As if you do not have alot of stress to begin with.
Once finally at home, there is always the typical complaint. Why are you late again?
There really is no answer other than just expect it. After working in Healthcare for over 15 years, you would hope your family finally "sees the light" of the reality of your career.
There are myths that say Healthcare workers are paid well and lead near perfect lives. Nowhere near the truth. It takes a special person to care for others and their families in a holistic approach. People work in this field because it is what the beleive in, certainly not just for the money. Weekends, Holidays, on-call rotations, are all part of the job. As for the Myth that we live near perfect lives, that is another blog in itself. Can you relate to any of this? Please share your experiences,thoughts, and comments.

Don't Let Stress Get the Best of You

2011-01-19T21:13:00.003-05:00

Role Overload

2011-01-19T20:28:00.000-05:00

Three out of five healthcare workers are experiencing "Role Overload" Unrealistic expectations, insufficient time, changes in staffing patterns and limited supplies, are a few factors that can cause damage to mental and physical health. This is the fast tract to Burnout!

These issues also cause increased absenteism, decreased productivity, and frequent staff overturn.
Do you remember the reasons why you became a healthcare worker? If you have to stop and ponder the answer, then you may be on the road to Burnout?
Has anyone felt this way? Tomorrow we will look at prevention interventions.

Ridiculously Funny Medical Mistakes

2011-01-19T19:58:00.004-05:00

Healthcare Burnout?

2011-01-18T21:01:00.000-05:00

What's that? Just about every worker has experienced personally, or have known someone specifically suffering from "Burnout". Everyone has their own view of exactly what it means to them. There is no right or wrong answers....
A bit about myself. I have worked in many different areas of healthcare over the years. Beginning as a Home Health Aid, and working my way up through continuing education, I obtained my Registered Nurse License along with an Associates degree. I have personally experienced my own "Burnout" periods over the years. My goal for this blog is research, education, care mapping, and interventions to prevent or decrease "Burnout. Of course laughter is the best medicine, so they say. Lets start this journey together, and share our experiences, learn from each other...