I am currently placed in one of Perth's Intensive Care Units as my cardiopulmonary prac. It has been my first time in such a ward, and I admit I was very confronted at first. Seeing patients completely ventilated and with so many lines coming in or out of them that I have heard them called "Christmas trees" was a shock to me at first. The crying family members and tenuous hold to life that some patients have also added to my unnerving experience. So many drug overdoses and horrible accidents and stories can be depressing.
From being in ICU so far I have learnt to adapt my personality to suit. For those that don't know me so well I'm quite an outgoing person, and tend to laugh a lot (and loudly). I realised within 1-2 days in ICU that although I should not be depressed by my surrounds it is also important to respect the grief of family and patients, and control my sense of humour at times. I still joke with the nurses and other staff as per usual, (no need to be glum!) but am much more controlled and focused when family are around or when walking around the ward. I still smile as much as ever, but I have realised it is inappropriate for me to laugh at times. I feel it is very important as a health practitioner to realise that yes it is a 'job' for me and I do want to have fun/an enjoyable time at work, but at the same time it is also an emotional and upsetting time for many patients and family members and I need to repect this and treat it with the control it requires!
4 comments:
I can imagine how intense and confronting that environment could be, although I havent actually had a placement in ICU. You seem to have adjusted really well and quite quickly, and seem to have figured out how to adjust to this new environment. I wonder if you (or anyone else who has been in ICU) received any guidance from supervisors about how to handle the situation?
We often talk about Cultural Sensitivity and/or Awareness and tend to think of it in relation to foreign or remote places, or in dealing with cultural groups. ICU is a 'foreign' and intense environment and you have done well to adapt and show sensitivity to that which surrounding you there. I think it is OK to be overwhelmed or have emotions when confronted with these sorts of new situations. To be able to express that to your supervisor is important in allowing you to adjust to that.
whilst i was on ICU i felt bad when i was smiling or laughing with other staff and then walked past family members who were clearly distressed and upset. It initially made me feel like i too should be somber and quiet. Having talked to a number of family members later in the prac they ensured me that although it was a sad experience for those on the outside, they were happy that the staff seemed to care so much and were friendly and jokey with their patients even in the darkest of scenarios.
I think I'm with Stevo on this one. There is definitely a place for us to tone back on our joking behaviour in such a somber situation but I think it's important to enjoy our work as well. Who knows? Maybe it will prevent burnout.
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