1 answer
Kubra
Student
San Mateo, California
1
Question
Updated
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How can I effectively transform my challenges into achievements by strategically leveraging my power of resilience into healthcare and address complex, real-world issues? #Spring25
Although I ask this question from a nursing student perspective, I believe this approach is foundational to succeed in any field. The answer does not have to focus on a healthcare setting and give a broad explanation of developing coping strategies and using resilience as a tool to approach challenging situations with clarity and perseverance. #Spring25
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1 answer
James Hanson
Pediatric Intensive Care Physician; Consultant
257
Answers
Oakland, California
Updated
James’s Answer
Your question is a good and challenging one to answer.
Resilience is essential in healthcare, as no matter what you do there will be patients who do poorly, there will be conflicts between care team members, and there will be difficulties trying to find balance between work, home, and self.
It is important to stay true to one's values. As you learn and work, remember that you are doing so to fulfill your personal goals, aligned with your values. Your job is not to please everyone. Your job is not to save all patients. Your job should not be about how much money you can make. When you aim to be a life-long learner that is motivated to always be a bit better so you can help others as much as possible, you do better. "Failures" become moments to reflect individually and as part of a team on what did I/we learn, and how can we improve our work processes to have a better outcome next time.
Each of us has our ups and downs. When you have the emotional capacity to do so, empathetically listen to and support your colleagues. When you are struggling, don't be shy about seeking solace from these same colleagues. Develop a group of mentors and advocates. Learn to politely push on systems to work to improve them. Changing the status quo is hard, but necessary if we are going to help one another do our best by our patients.
Resilience is essential in healthcare, as no matter what you do there will be patients who do poorly, there will be conflicts between care team members, and there will be difficulties trying to find balance between work, home, and self.
It is important to stay true to one's values. As you learn and work, remember that you are doing so to fulfill your personal goals, aligned with your values. Your job is not to please everyone. Your job is not to save all patients. Your job should not be about how much money you can make. When you aim to be a life-long learner that is motivated to always be a bit better so you can help others as much as possible, you do better. "Failures" become moments to reflect individually and as part of a team on what did I/we learn, and how can we improve our work processes to have a better outcome next time.
Each of us has our ups and downs. When you have the emotional capacity to do so, empathetically listen to and support your colleagues. When you are struggling, don't be shy about seeking solace from these same colleagues. Develop a group of mentors and advocates. Learn to politely push on systems to work to improve them. Changing the status quo is hard, but necessary if we are going to help one another do our best by our patients.