Three Life Lessons Being A Physical Therapist Has Taught Me.
October is Physical Therapy Month and I have been reflecting on what these last 9 years have taught me. I have had so many great experiences and amazing job opportunities. I am truly thankful for the patients I have had, co-workers and friends made along the way, and lessons learned. Practicing in Florida and California, I got to meet people from walks of life I know I would not have come across in any other way and I am so grateful.
Being in the same career for a few years can sometimes put us in a rut or feel like we aren’t growing. I wanted take a few minutes to share some of my personal practices that I observe in the clinic and my life that being a PT has helped me see.
I am not highlighting clinical results or speaking to one group of people in particular, just anyone who wants to feel more fulfillment in what they do everyday.
The skill of active listening should be taught to us as elementary school students.
I’ll admit this is probably the hardest one! When we are in a position that our job is to “figure out” what is going on with the person in front of us, our mind can drift from what they are telling us. We get excited to find the answer and are thinking about the next thing we are going to say. We get inpatient. Well, IIII get inpatient.
Time constraints, excitement, and our biases can affect how attentive to what our patient/client/friend is telling us. When I practice active listening, not only do I feel like the person speaking is appreciative, I feel like some of the burden of my job is taken off. THEY are telling me the answer!!
I will say that this skill is a game changer for me in the clinic. Active listening builds rapport and connection. This can cause a shift from a patient saying “I need physical therapy” to “I need to see my physical therapist.”
Positive Attitude=Positive Results
I have worked with a wide variety of the adult population in different settings, ages, socioeconomic statuses, backgrounds, and medical histories. One thing is FO SHO….if you think something is happening TO you, “recovery” is MUCH harder.
If you can find a way to see how the situation may be teaching you something and what it is doing FOR you, the burden is lessened. I say this with sensitivity to the fact that some situations are harder than others. Without a doubt.
From my observation, my patients who have cancer or have been in terrible traumas that are engaged in their treatment and make up their minds that they are going to be okay, find a way to be OK.
I know there are studies that support this and I can tell you that these strong willed, heroic beings and their stories stay with me long after I am done seeing them in the clinic. It is so inspiring!
Never underestimate the power you have to influence others as a patient or a clinician. Boldness is infectious!!
Being of service is the best gift we can give ourselves.
Full disclosure: there are days I have walked into work, seen my schedule, and wanted to fake a stomach bug. Seeing a packed schedule and anticipating the paperwork involved can seem really daunting and can put me into a mode of just going through the motions or anxiety. As I have started practicing mindfulness more, I remind myself that all we have is the present. Each moment is exactly as it should be. And my mind wanting to escape what is happening in front of me will not actually make something unpleasant go away.
My work mantra is “be of service.” How can I help the person who is speaking to me right now? What is the most loving and integral thing I can do for them in this moment?
Being in the moment turns down the chatter. It not only allows me to give to the person in front of me, but I give to myself as well. I give myself the gift of connection with another human being and the practice of empathy. I am truly not an expert by any means, this is a daily, hourly, minute-ly? practice for everyone. I am just sharing what I have learned. I could share the results of what my mantra has given me, but I would like to dare you to try this at your job and see what happens for yourself ;)
I am so thankful for my career and the people I have met. I may have taught a few exercises along the way, but the people I have met have taught me alot more than that.
Happy PT Month!!!
With Love,
Vanessa Febles, PT, DPT