I've worked with critically ill children and teens for almost a decade and coping with the emotional impact is still a learning process. Initially, time with family and friends was the most beneficial way to heal and turn off the "work brain." Now, I find that consistent exercise is the sweetest escape because it prevents me from overanalyzing my day and the endorphin release helps me to re-energize. Cooking and trying new recipes has also proved to be a great therapeutic outlet as I take pride in the finished product! Ultimately, you have to find ways to reset and refuel because so much of your mental energy is used to support others.
I am a nurse case manager in a children’s hospital. I encounter some of the sickest and saddest situations that completely dismantle and at times devastate the lives of a child and their family. I witness unfair circumstances, such as rare disease, near drownings, debilitating accidents and random, fluky unfortunate situations that come out of nowhere. My focus is always the same-to get patients and families the care and support that is needed. Whether it is rehabilitation, medical equipment, nursing services or simple care coordination-my attention is always on safety, coordination of care, fiscal responsibility and supportive measures-all delivered with compassion. In my quietest moments, when I reflect on what my patients endure, I am grateful for all I have. Each patient and their story stick with me and offer me learning lessons on how I can do better. Their profound experiences lend themselves as breadcrumbs leading me to solutions for future patients. Practicing in a well-known teaching hospital provides many opportunities to learn, to grow, to pause, to pray, to teach and to sometimes grieve. My coping strategies are born from a humbling place of gratitude. I hope I instill and pass it on to those I engage with and to treat each patient’s journey as opportunities for growth. I am fortunate to have a job that enables autonomy and continues to challenge me daily. However, I also gain so much in return. The emotional impact that accompanies working with critically ill pediatric patients is a small price to pay for the multitudes of enrichment I gain from our most precious resource on earth-our children.