For those in healthcare...

The Starbucks thread got me thinking about our industry, how insane things are getting, wanting to get out, working with others who could give a sht about patients but just show up for a paycheck. Love to hear others' experiences/thoughts.

Hi, i'm a physical therapist, and i'm burnt out!

Re: For those in healthcare...

I wasn't burnt out, but was over all the BS, so i left the hospital. Best decision ever. For me though, it was really more because of the schedule/lifestyle. I also hated having to depend on other people to do their jobs so that i could do mine. Eventhough i despise all the paperwork i have to do now i do really love my position and feel like my quality of life has improved immensely.


DH and I kid all the time about quitting our jobs and working in like pizza delivery or a batting cage But in reality, i look at work this way: I'm not all about having a career, etc... BUT since i'm going to work, then work needs to be worth it to me. Anything that requires me to spend time away from my family needs to be worth it to me, so while, yes, the thought of an easy, laid back position sounds great, i could never fathom leaving my position now for something that would pay 1/5th of what i make. Just not worth it.

I also take every measure possible to avoid burn out. I use PTO whenever i need/want and i put away my paperwork when its starting to make me twitch (also why i'm 3 days behind on charting right now ). I also try to have 1 baby per year to get that extra 12 weeks off!
I think too many people in healthcare burn the candles at both ends and its really just not worth it.

Re: For those in healthcare...

I think a lot of the issues I face, have probably always been there............"entitled clients", lack of resources (especially housing), clients expecting me to be able to solve problems they've had since childhood.............

I also know that if I stay in social work, regardless of program/place, a lot of these issues are going to be the same across the board.

For the most part I am fortunate because I work independently and don't have to rely a whole lot on others to do my job. I do HEAR about others lack of competency and common sense though. That can be frustrating when I cannot do anything about it for the client.

ETA: I do get a lot of perks at my current place of employment, and am paid pretty decently as far as social work positions go. I also, like Neenie, cannot justify taking a huge paycut to go to someplace else, even if it would be less stressful. I get bored easily if I am not at a place with a lot of things for me to do........
and because COL is so freakin' high here, and my family relies on my benefits.........this is where I will stay.

Message edited 10/1/2010 7:37:06 AM.