A Healthcare career is a personal journey of sacrifices, struggles, challenges, and rewards. In the beginning, you are eager and striving, there is “pep” in your step and enthusiasm and optimism in your attitude. You are among your peers and colleagues and may likely be comparing yourself to others, but at the end of the day and at the end of your life, this walk is YOUR walk. This is your journey of choices, decisions, and experiences that may be life-changing or lifesaving and these influence and impact your health, well-being, and outlook.
I want you to know that you have support and that you are not alone!
-Where are you at this time in your life, in your career?
-Are you contemplating having a future in healthcare?
-Are you in the midst of studies as a student?
-Have you recently started to practice in your profession?
-Are you a seasoned healthcare professional, an expert in your field?
My decision to enter the healthcare field came at a point of major transition for me and my family after leaving the military. This decision involved huge change, challenges, and great sacrifices of time, effort, energy, and resources all for the return of being in a career where I could make a difference, be able to support my family, and live a fulfilled life. These were incredible sacrifices that I would never get back…such as the precious moments I missed with my young daughters. My first few years as a physical therapist taught me a lot, and then a harsh, unexpected reality hit. As I practiced and observed the different processes, challenges, and complexities of patient care and the delivery of quality patient care, the inconsistencies in attitude and effort of healthcare practitioners, and the varied expectations, behaviors, and cultures in a multitude of healthcare settings, I began to question my decision…as disappointment and discouragement had started to weave into my perspective.
My commitment, passion, and dedication were real, and I was ALL in, however, I gradually became disheartened by what I began to experience as the years passed. I felt alone and unsupported, and I was outraged and frustrated by a healthcare system that failed me personally and professionally. All of this eventually took a toll on me; had reached a point where my emotions were affecting my physical health and outlook on my life and career. I had lost my enthusiasm, felt depleted, and started feeling depressed about my future. The early sacrifices I could justify because I believed the outcome would ultimately be worth it, however, the subsequent sacrifices I have since questioned and reflected upon, and recognize they no longer align with my values and desires. The healthcare system has a direct impact on the health and well-being of healthcare providers and patients. If you are a healthcare provider, I ask you to reflect on what you value and what the ultimate cost is to your health and livelihood with your current health habits / routine.
It has taken me years to reclaim my health and enthusiasm. This year I celebrate 25 years as a physical therapist. I feel genuinely grateful for a renewed and inspired perspective on being a healthcare professional and support the true meaning of “health” care-giving. I recognize and honor the struggles and sacrifices that dedicated healthcare professionals are faced with and challenged to meet head on. The quality of your health in “real time” matters and is relevant to the quality of service you are able to provide and the quality of life you truly desire. Without your direct and sustained attention, the cumulative effect of your care-giving efforts will catch up to you, and before you know what has happened, you are in crisis. I have been there!
The challenges you face in your professional and personal life are real and they affect your ability to focus and care for others. I am your advocate and would love to support you before things get out of control. It’s time for you to recharge and expand your emotional capacity that will support every area of your life. I can help you to regain perspective, objectively look at your life and your health, and support you in finding clarity. Let’s chat. Schedule your Complimentary 30 minute Clarity Session with me today.
Much Love!
Dr. Deb Howell supports healthcare professionals in reclaiming their health and personal power through mindful self-care practices that help them thrive and feel alive in their daily life! She offers deeply supportive and expansive services to the healthcare community as a Medical Health Advisor and Mentor, and medical life coach. She is a licensed physical therapist, Navy veteran, and author of the books, Self-Care in Healthcare and Heart’s Alchemy.
Dr. Howell can help you with your health, life, and career goals. Schedule your Complimentary 30 minute Clarity Session today.
Click here to listen to my podcast – Dose of Deborah: Rehab for the Heart
