Dr. Eboni Green
November 18, 2021
Every profession has its challenges, and health care is no different. There are unique hazards in most medical professions that clinicians and administrators must navigate while working, like needle sticks and long hours. But some of the most difficult situations are the ones that involve the health of their patients.
Learn more about the hardest challenges of working in health care.
Compassion fatigue is related to burnout, a syndrome caused by overworking that results in physical and emotional symptoms like anxiety, insomnia, and frequent illness. Compassion fatigue specifically is when people like caregivers feel indifference to their patients. It can be devastating to a person who is typically empathetic, but there are ways to recognize and treat compassion fatigue by incorporating self-care into your daily routine.
Clinicians will see patients receive bad outcomes, like a terminal diagnosis, complications from surgery, or preparations for end-of-life care. After developing relationships with patients, any bad outcome can be difficult for a medical professional to deal with. They devote their lives to helping people on their worst days, and to see that someone won’t recover is one of the hardest challenges of working in health care.
Health care professionals are bound by an oath to take care of any person in need of medical attention despite their financial situation. It can be hard as a clinician or an administrator when a patient is hesitant to receive much-needed care or refuses care solely because they can’t afford it.
Medical offices can train staff to help guide patients to the appropriate places to seek financial aid and counseling, both through the medical system they’re affiliated with or a social welfare office.
Health care workers are seeing people on what could be one of the worst days of their life. Being in pain, scared, or confused can make some patients rude or even aggressive. They might lash out, but it’s always important to understand how powerless they feel after receiving a diagnosis or even how frustrated they are at the lack of a diagnosis. Always show empathy for their situation.
While setting boundaries, you can help patients understand a treatment by explaining it to them or directing them to the next steps.
