Old Habits Die Hard
I'm a creature of routine. I love routine. I love the predictability of doing the same thing over and over, of knowing what's around the next corner.
I start planning things in January that won't be done until July so I can plan everything out. I cut my hair the same time of the day on the same day of the week every week. I do it myself because I know my head better than anyone else I know, and haircuts are pretty easy for me (since I don't have much hair to cut).
I like coming to work and drinking a cup of coffee before I see anyone or get involved in a conversation. I like working in a place where the same people come to the hospital; I enjoy seeing them and catching up with what's been going on.
Some things are hard to do with any routine. School work is one. Getting time to do school work is hard when you're working the day and night shift together in the same 24-hour period.
We all know the quickest way to get an ER patient is to say their name out loud. I don't do that until I have left the hospital because it breaks the routine I already have going with the patients I already have.
Routine is good, but it makes you pretty boring. I am a boring person. I eat the same foods every day, keep the same schedule as best I can, and have the same work routine any time I'm there, regardless of the shift I'm working.
I think it's time to break this habit. I need to do something exciting. I need to take some chances on things that I wouldn't ordinarily try. I don't know how, but I'm going to do it.
You should, too! Whether it's making a point to provide more education to your patients, to be overly friendly to the person who keeps beeping your pager, or to make a decision that will improve your life, do something that isn't routine for you.
Write me and tell me what you did. If you like, I'll share it with everyone. We'll either all get a laugh and be amazed, or know who you are when the next episode of "COPS" comes on.
Either way, go a little crazy. It's a serious job we do. Have fun when you can!