Adapted from an original blog by Paul Culler, MD, FACEP, FAAFP
[2 MIN READ]
I believe that having a good shift is a choice. In other words, I think that your mental outlook will influence whether you have a good shift or not. I recently heard someone use the phrase, “If you think you will or you think you won’t, you’re right!” This statement alludes to the fact that events will often unfold as self-fulfilling prophecies.
Saying that a good shift is a choice needs clarification. We must expect that there will be bumps along the way. If we always come to work with the attitude that we will have a good shift only if A, B, and C occur (“A” being perfect lab performance, “B” being perfect radiology performance, and “C” being perfect EMR performance), then we will always be frustrated and never have a good shift.
However, if we start with the attitude that we will have a good shift no matter what happens and that we will do the best we can with the resources we have today, our outlook can become more realistic and less frustrating. Of course, we should not lower our expectations and we should certainly continue to work through processes that will enhance our practice; however, during the middle of the shift, it will not improve our situation to become mentally frustrated with a process that is not working correctly on that day.
The bottom line is that after decades of practice and coming to work in the ED, I know for a fact that not everything will go smoothly on every shift. We can prepare by working on our own wellness, bringing our “A” game to every shift, and leaving all distracting baggage outside the work environment. We have to be able to let things roll off our back and move forward. When we are working, we need to understand it is not all about “me”; rather, it is all about “we.” Everyone in the ED and elsewhere in the hospital must function together to ensure not only patient safety, but also a high level of patient and staff satisfaction.
Expect that your shift won’t be perfect, but have the mental outlook that you will move forward and do the best you can every day in spite of what may happen. This attitude will go a long way toward making your shift better, more rewarding, and less frustrating. Remember that “a good shift is a choice.”