Things I'm Learning

This process is teaching me a lot.  It's not an easy or fun way to learn, but it is teaching me things that I hope are making me better at my job.  When I sit in the waiting room with a lump in my throat, I realize that my patients must be feeling much the same way.  It's petrifying to put your life and trust into a total stranger's hands.  When my doctor does the "Choose your Own Adventure" method, I want to punch him in the nose, but then I remember that I do the same thing to my patients!  And I really only give them options that would be okay for them to choose from.  But I'm sure the families I work with want to punch me in the nose too.

Maybe I should invest in a face mask.

Mostly I'm learning that having an intense medical issue to deal with is incredibly stressful.  On my end as a medical provider, it's just another day of work.  I'm learning that I need to step back and remember that they are stressed, worried, and navigating a whole myriad of medical care, financial strain, and uncertainties for a child's future.  It can't just be another day of work for me.  I have to be in their moment, not mine.