While the New Year may seem like the completely wrong time to discuss burnout, it’s actually more important than ever. Why?
Because 2024 is just going to be another 2023…unless you do something about it.
In our fast-paced world of healthcare, the demand for exceptional patient care often comes at a cost – the risk of burnout among healthcare professionals.
In a recent enlightening episode on TheOncoPT Podcast, I had the privilege of discussing this critical issue with the insightful Dr. Rebekah Griffith. We dove into what burnout really looks like (plus what is ISN’T), plus the importance of self-care, structured professional development planning, and the symbiotic relationship between personal and professional life.
Listen now!
Understanding Burnout:
Dr. Griffith and I explored the multifaceted nature of burnout, defining it as a state of physical and emotional exhaustion that goes beyond fatigue. It involves a profound sense of reduced accomplishment and a loss of personal identity, impacting not only the individual but also the quality of care provided to patients.
The Consequences of Ignoring Burnout:
One of the key takeaways from our discussion was the potential harm that ignoring burnout can inflict, leading to a decrease in the quality of care. As healthcare professionals, acknowledging and addressing burnout is not just a matter of personal well-being; it’s a commitment to ensuring the best possible outcomes for those under our care.
Effective Strategies for Burnout Management:
Our conversation underscored the importance of a holistic approach to managing burnout. Beyond the typical self-care practices, we explored strategies such as professional development planning and aligning one’s career with personal values. These approaches empower healthcare professionals to not just survive but thrive in their professional and personal lives.
Taking Responsibility for Well-being:
A pivotal theme in our discussion was the need to take responsibility for one’s own well-being. Dr. Griffith passionately emphasized that acknowledging burnout is the first step toward reclaiming control over your health and professional journey.
Structured Professional Development Planning:
Dr. Griffith introduced a game-changing concept – structured professional development planning. This involves a meticulous assessment of strengths and deficits, goal setting, and envisioning a future that aligns with personal aspirations. It’s a proactive approach to career development that considers both professional and personal fulfillment.
Work-Life Flow:
The synergy between personal and professional life is crucial for overall well-being. Our conversation highlighted the significance of work-life flow, encouraging healthcare professionals to consider how their personal lives can support and enhance their professional development.
Professional Development Coaching:
To further support healthcare professionals on their journey, Dr. Griffith offers professional development coaching. This invaluable resource provides guidance and accountability, helping individuals navigate the complexities of their professional paths.
Burnout does not have to be the end of your OncoPT career
Thriving in healthcare requires a conscious commitment to well-being and a proactive approach to addressing burnout. The insights shared by Dr. Rebekah Griffith in our podcast conversation serve as a beacon for OncoPTs seeking to not only survive but flourish in their careers.
Register for Rebekah’s Professional Development Plan webinar here.
About Dr. Rebekah Griffith, PT
Dr. Rebekah Griffith is a physical therapist who specializes in care in the Emergency Department and ICU settings. She believes that physical therapy should not be a luxury and should be accessible to everyone, particularly in life’s most critical moments. Dr. Griffith is the founder of the ED DPT, a business focused on making Emergency Physical Therapist practice well-known and well-practiced. She also serves her profession as APTA Colorado President Elect. A believer in life-work flow, she is a dedicated mother of 3, wife of 22 years, an avid reader, writer, and photographer, and also holds a Black Belt in Taekwondo. Dr. Griffith firmly believes that we rise by lifting others, which is at the core of being a physical therapist and human.