By: Tash Ramsumer
With any profession, everyone has some sort of idea as to what that person does. In the case of a physiotherapist, people may think we only massage or run on and off a sports field. Some may think we are Hilter post-knee or hip surgery. There is so much more to it and us as an individual.
We spend our days running around, literally and mentally. As a healthcare professional, we tend to compartmentalize our daily lives to get through it. We are told as students to serve and respect our patients. We take our fair share of verbal abuse, but we take it with a smile on our face. We watch and stand by our patients through their highs and lows. In some cases, at their lowest. From helping them walk for the first time after struggling for so long or watching them deteriorate due to illness. We can’t help but get attached to the patients we treat, praying for their recovery even when the prognosis may be poor. Having to compose yourself after finding out your patient has reached the end of their life’s journey, and then having to go to your next patient with a smile upon your face and pretend that your heart has not silently broken. I know many health professionals must push down their feelings. We often use coping mechanisms to get through the day. The ICU setting is often a bleak atmosphere at times.
What I’ve learned since becoming a physiotherapist:
- Not everyone will always appreciate you, and that’s okay.
- You will never fully know the internal struggle someone is going through. Always give a helping hand or a shoulder to cry on.
- You will make mistakes and end up with your foot in your mouth. As any person does. We are only human.
- You will always meet beautiful, amazing and kind people.
- Every day and every patient will teach you a new lesson.
- Be kind, always.