It has been my observation that the happiest of people, the vibrant doers of the world, are almost always those who are using - who are putting into play, calling upon, depending upon-the greatest number of their God-given talents and capabilities. ~ John Glenn
I was invited to speak to a group of healthcare leaders today about service. I was asked because of our reputation for wonderful service to our patients. It was a lot of fun and very energizing to share our story and to brag about all of you. I am so blessed to work with such an amazing team. You are all very special and truly make a positive impact in this world on a daily basis.
Shaila has been taking the CNA class as she is interested in going into medicine. It has been fun to listen to her excitement about getting to experience all the different things that she is learning in caring for patients. The days she has CNA clinicals are the days she is the happiest as she feels fulfilled. She loves the elderly and has really enjoyed the experience. I love seeing her enthusiasm and hope she continues to chase her dreams.
It makes me stop and think about our “stories” and why we all ended up in healthcare. Can we recall when we had that enthusiasm to help others? I have two distinct stories that stick out in my mind that make me passionate about the care we provide. The first was when my mom was in the ICU; she had this incredible nurse that was really wonderful to me and my sister. We had made the decision to remove my mom from life support, and she had asked if there was anything she could do for us. I asked if there was any way that she could get a ring off my mom’s finger for me. She said absolutely, when you come back from lunch it will be done. I wear that ring to this day. It is a constant reminder of that act of kindness and the impact that she made in our lives.
The second story was a time when Dr. Ryan Coppola called me and asked if I would approve a head CT for a patient that didn’t have insurance. There were several options for care for the patient, but he had a feeling, and he really wanted to do this test. I feel strongly about doing what is in the best interest of our patients and immediately agreed with his plan. He called me later that evening to let me know that they had found a brain bleed and had shipped her out and that test had saved her life. He certainly didn’t need to connect the dots for me, but I will never forget that day as it clearly illustrated that no matter our role in the organization, we all impact patient care.
You create patient “stories” every day that you don’t even realize. Never lose your enthusiasm for healthcare, it is your calling.
A calling is the place where your gifts, abilities, desires, and feelings of worth all meet. When you follow your calling, you feel at home, at peace - you feel as though you're where you're meant to be. ~ Mike Yaconelli
