3 Things I Learned from Netflix’s Lenox Hill about Burnout
Burnout is inevitably, but these 3 things keep it at bay.
I love medical reality shows. I’ve completed all the pre reqs to get into medical school post grad but the therapy couch is where my true passion lies. So I live vicariously though docudramas and Lenox Hill is awesome! I really geeked out when I got the chance to get up close and personal with Dr Boockvar and Dr Langer in a CE presented by CEUCreations this year with Jenny Buckley, RN, BSN, CHPN. SO GOOD! It was an ethics CE but I also discovered some secrets to managing burnout that I think are pretty important (and ethical too for that matter).
Who you work with matters: they genuinely enjoy working together and with their team, the level of respect is amazing- it doesn’t matter the degree type either. My secret ratio is 5:1 (thanks to the Gottman’s I call this the magic ratio). If you like at least 5 people on your team, you can manage the one you don’t. If that ratio is out of sync, you will experience some level of burnout (check out the levels here).
All feelings are important: often we try to hide feelings of disappointment, sadness, and grief from colleagues to be professional, this causes problems. Go ahead and express the feelings you have- positive or negative. If you’re worried about how you will be perceived- go back to secret number 1 and take a look at who is on your team.
Sense of humor: is a must. You can’t deal with what we deal with on a day to dat without laughter. Tease and joke with your colleagues, good natured fun will go a long way. I particularly like to keep funny jokes on plaques in my office (my latest- “What doesn’t kill you gives you a set of unhealthy coping skills and a very dark sense of humor.”)
These men keep it real, keep it ethical, and keep it entertaining which ensures a long, fulfilling, and compassionate career. Don’t keep these 3 secrets secret! Share these tips with your colleagues to keep burnout at bay.
