Finding Your Saturday-Night Essence
The other day, while I was listening to some "Timeless Favorites" on the radio, I heard "Whatever will be, Will be (Que Sera, Sera)" by Doris Day. Part of that song asks the question, "What will I be?" Back in the days before dirt and dinosaurs I remember wondering about that question. What will I be or what will I become?
Over the last couple of centuries, I have come to realize that often people neglect their "Saturday-night essence" and fall into the first job that comes along. They stay in that dead-end job because soon thereafter they marry, start a family, and feel like they can't do what they really would like to do. Over time, stagnation sets in and creativity and true happiness dwindle.
A question we all have to ask ourselves at some point in our lives is this, am I a respiratory therapist because I love what I'm doing and I'm creating something of great value for society or did I just fall into this profession because of circumstances and a quick way to make a decent income that would enable me to support a family in a way that I wanted? Only you, of course, can answer that question.
That brings me to the Saturday-night essence. What is your Saturday-night essence? What do you look forward to doing Saturday night or on your day off work? What hobby or hobbies do you have? What do you do for fun? What is it that you would rather do more then anything else? Whatever that is, that's your Saturday-night essence and it should guide you or perhaps even guide your children in choosing a vocation.
Many years ago, as a new high school graduate, I went to work in a hospital as an orderly (which should age me very quickly... It may have even been before Inhalation Therapy. I remember moving a lot of "H" cylinders throughout the hospital without the aid of a dolly.) I learned a lot and discovered that I didn't want to be an orderly the rest of my life.
I observed other healthcare professionals at work and when a position for a surgery technician or scrub nurse opened, I applied for the position. I must admit I think I had a little help in getting that job as my father-in-law was an anesthesiologist at the hospital and I knew the director of surgery from various social gatherings at my in-laws' home. It was my father-in-law and later two brothers-in-law, both physicians, who suggested that respiratory therapy might be something to seriously consider. My father-in-law was an excellent mentor and I probably had more intubations before I started respiratory therapy school then most RT's have in their careers. I also worked for several years as a perfusionist and surgery assistant.
As I gained experience it became obvious to me that respiratory therapy was indeed my Saturday-night essence. As a result, it has been an exhilarating experience of creativity and of social value for me. Doors have opened that I'm convinced would have forever remained closed if I hadn't followed after and successfully achieved my Saturday-night essence.
Much has been said and many suggestions offered regarding hiring the right person or A-Team for any profession, but especially respiratory therapy. Searching for the prospective employee's Saturday-night essence during an employment interview may secure the right person for the job and help retaining that right person in your department.
I certainly have made my share of mistakes in hiring people whose Saturday-night essence was not respiratory therapy and, in every case, the ending was not a happy one for either of us. I am fortunate today because I have a staff of respiratory therapists who are passionate about their profession and they look forward to coming to work everyday and they are happy, having fun and enjoying the journey.
Your thoughts?