Bridging Worlds 5: Finding the Light--How Healthcare Workers Can Master Work-Life Balance Amidst the Challenges of Death and Dying

I grew up in an Asian, Filipino/Hawaiian family where my father soon after high-school graduation gave me two fields to pursue for college. Medicine or Law. With the caveat that I could take my pre-med in the United States with my family there. So, of course, I pursued Medicine.

I was 15 years old, when I enrolled into the College of Nursing in New Jersey, USA. Graduated at 18 years old. I started my Nursing career at a hospital in Hackensack, New Jersey. I was rotated between Pediatric, Med-Surge, and the Burn Unit. I worked double shifts, sometimes triple shifts when needed. It was during an evening while on my dinner break when I heard a Code Blue, respiratory distress, for the Pediatric unit over the overhead hospital speakers.

I had been assigned to a 6 month old adorable little boy for the last week during my 3-11pm shift. He was in isolation, he had a high fever when he was brought in and had croup, an upper respiratory infection that blocks breathing. I would pray with his parents every night, spend hours with the baby each night until he slept, watched his chest rise and fall as he slept.

So, I had such an anxious feeling, and as duty called, I ran by the stairwells as fast as I could to see how I could assist. When I arrived in the Pediatric unit, I found out that the baby I was assigned to had passed in his sleep. I conducted post mortem care, bathed the baby, while consoling his parents who were on the floor as they had just lost their first child.

This was my first experience of death.

There is no amount of training at school that can prepare you for this moment. You are provided with training videos to watch about post mortem care, consoling parents, but nothing prepared me to experience the emotions of the aftermath of witnessing death.

As I drove home that night, I started to question my career choice and I am sure many of us healthcare workers who have shared the same experiences do. It must have been adrenaline that held me up but as I started to bathe, my whole body started to shake and I cried the hardest I had ever cried before.

I was lucky to have had my indigenous teachings from my elders and I know with death there will be new beginnings and I was able to learn how to cope each day and have helped other healthcare personnel through coaching as I am able to relate to each of their experiences.

In today's fast-paced healthcare environment, the demand for effective coaching services for healthcare workers has never been more critical. With increasing administrative burdens, evolving patient expectations, and the complexities of team dynamics, healthcare professionals face unique challenges that can lead to burnout and decreased job satisfaction, and a change of career choices reducing the healthcare worker candidates we have today.

Why Do Healthcare Workers Need Coaching

1. Burnout Prevention: A survey conducted by the Mayo Clinic revealed that nearly 60% of healthcare workers experience symptoms of burnout. Coaching can provide strategies to manage stress and improve work-life balance.

2. Skill Enhancement: Healthcare professionals, including nurses and allied health workers, often require ongoing training to keep up with advancements in medical technology and patient care practices. Coaching tailored to their specific roles can enhance clinical skills and improve patient outcomes

3. Communication Skills: Effective communication is paramount in healthcare. Coaching can help workers develop better interpersonal skills, fostering improved patient relationships and teamwork among colleagues

4. Leadership Development: As healthcare organizations evolve, there is a growing need for strong leaders. Coaching services can equip healthcare workers with the necessary skills to take on leadership roles, enhancing their career trajectories

5. Emotional Intelligence: A study in the Journal of Healthcare Management found that healthcare professionals with high emotional intelligence are better equipped to handle workplace challenges. Coaching can cultivate this vital skill.

Here are some of my approaches to coaching healthcare workers and healthcare students that I would like to share and perhaps you find value in these services to incorporate into your Health and Wellness Initiatives:

Physicians coaching physicians: A survey conducted by the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) noted a 25% increase in the number of family physicians seeking coaching services from 2018 to 2023, highlighting a growing recognition of its value. Physician coaching has emerged as a vital resource for healthcare professionals seeking to enhance their skills, improve patient outcomes, and navigate the complexities of modern medicine. This coaching often involves tailored approaches that consider the specific challenges and nuances of different medical specialties. Below is a summary of relevant statistics and sources regarding physician coaching by specialty.

Physician coaching is a collaborative process aimed at helping physicians develop their skills, improve their practice, and achieve personal and professional goals. It often focuses on enhancing communication, leadership, and clinical skills, a targeted approach to provide retired physicians an ability to coach newly graduated physicians. Through our lifetime coaching plan, we can have active or retired physicians coach and mentor other physicians globally.

Coaching Statistics Through Targeted Specialties.

1. Family Medicine:- According to a study published in the Journal of Family Practice, physicians in family medicine reported a 30% improvement in patient satisfaction scores after participating in coaching programs designed specifically for family practitioners

2. Surgery:- Research in the American Journal of Surgery found that surgical residents who engaged in coaching experienced a 40% reduction in burnout levels, suggesting that tailored coaching can significantly impact well-being and performance in high-stress specialties

3. Internal Medicine:- A survey from the Society of General Internal Medicine indicated that 60% of internal medicine physicians who participated in coaching felt more equipped to handle complex patient cases, demonstrating the effectiveness of specialized coaching in fostering clinical competence

4. Emergency Medicine:- A study highlighted in Academic Emergency Medicine showed that emergency physicians who underwent coaching reported a 25% increase in teamwork and communication skills, which are critical in fast-paced environments

5. Pediatrics:- Research published in Pediatrics indicated that pediatricians participating in coaching programs tailored to their specialty saw improvements in both clinical decision-making and family engagement strategies.

Physician coaching, particularly when tailored to specific specialties, is proving to be an effective tool for enhancing professional development and improving the quality of care. With increasing recognition of its benefits, more healthcare institutions are likely to integrate coaching into their health and wellness programs and initiatives.

As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, investing in coaching services will be pivotal in nurturing a resilient and competent workforce.

I hope this article resonates with you. I would love to hear your feedback.

For inquiries about healthcare, military and law enforcement coaching services, please connect through LinkedIn or contact me via email [email protected]

Website: dragongs.com

***References- American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP)- Journal of Family Practice- American Journal of Surgery- Society of General Internal Medicine- Academic Emergency Medicine- Pediatric. This overview captures the essential statistics and findings from various studies on physician coaching across different specialties, showcasing its importance and efficacy in the medical field.***