I have worked as consultant in several clinical units and even simultaneously in multiple units. Sometimes a full timer too. What this mixed job history has done for me is an ability to have an insider perspective from the outside. Let me explain. It means that while I was not a full timer nor dependent on any of these units for all the work, I did spend significant amounts of time with the teams that some of the employees would consider me a part of their trusted circle. I got to see more than all the smiles and good behaviour that a visitor often gets to see. And that has changed my perception of how good a workplace can be?
I now believe that there is no such thing as a perfect work place in healthcare at least. There is always something or the other that just isn't right. While we all like to believe that one day we will end up in a place where the boss takes care of your coffee, you adjust your salary according to how much you worked, your colleagues love to do some of your work and where all clients/patients smile even when you are at your worst..it is unlikely you will find such a place. And so what do we do about it? The first step is to lower your expectation on all the superficials..the coffee included. But what you should not do is lower what you believe is the standard of service a patient or customer should experience. And if you think your own growth is taking a hit, you should make sure that this need be only a tactical retreat from what you want and never give up on your personal and career goals for the longer term. Do you think you can do that?
Though we all know the PERFECT is non- existant, what we hope and strive for is an OPTIMAl working conditions, something which adds to the skills and to those sweet smiles of our patients, to give us the productive output. No body wants the boss to take care of the coffee... infact if evry thing is working smoothly, most of us would love to help ourselves to that cuppa at the end of the day!
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