On rural prac I was lucky enough to be exposed to various aspects of physiotherapy that I wouldnt normally in a perth based hospital. On final week of prac, with all going well my superivisor suggested I go in to see a TKR.
I didn't think seeing a TKR would be the best idea. I dont normally like blood and felt I wouldnt be able to survive seeing surgery. With much convincing I attended the surgery first think in the morning. I subsquently survived the experience and actually really enjoyed my experience.
This situation helped me push myself outside my comfort zone. See surgery made me more aware of what a patient goes through during a TKR and therefore allowed me to better manage my patients.
By pushing my limits I feel more comfortable around blood. I think in the future its important to continually expose yourself to situations outside your comfort zone as their are various benefits from experiences we sometimes fear. In the future, after seeing surgery I would feel more comfortable seeing a surgical patient day 1, trauma patients in ED and acutely sick patients in ICU. With this fear out of my system this better equips me to use my skills as a physiotherapist to help a patient in need.
I would suggest to all my peers to take up opportunities as a student in seeing things such as surgery, as I believe the experience was invaluable.
4 comments:
well done!I totally agree that moving outside your comfort zone and dealing with those issues that aren't just easy or fun make us grow into stronger, more effective physio's.
I was lucky enough to see a surgery for a breast lumpectomy.....can't say I would see it again, but if a different surgery came up, I would definitely see another surgery. Also saw a vaginal birth, actually seemed not as bad as the videos we saw at uni. I think it would also be important to continue seeing surgeries after graduating. It could also help build rapport between yourself and the surgeon.
I must admit starting physio I wasn't to keen on blood at all and had a few close calls with passing out whilst in with a patient but i've found exactly as you've said the more you experience these things the more you find your able to cope, proud to say I've been faint free for 3 years
You made a good decision to step out of your comfort zone . I've learnt that the only way to conquer fear is by facing them. Besides, when you see a surgery i feel that you understand things a bit better and that will make you a better therapist in so many ways. Well done.
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