Is it time to leave health care?
My contract at the hospital I work at, ends at midnight on new years eve this year. Usually, this would just mean I would apply for another project and explore more positions in the hospital or seek permanent residency, but because the financial situation is beyond dire in the university hospital, those doors are closed.
And it makes me wonder if this isn’t the natural end to my career in medicine? The end of my career in caregiving all together?
For the past 15 years I have done my best to try to make health care better.
I have given it my most, if not, in fact, my all.
So, as this year progresses I will have to decide how much more capacity for struggle I have in me. Because it is a struggle. A struggle well worth it, but a struggle none the less.
A lot has changed since I put on my first scrubs. Both inside of me, and in health care.
We have sicker patients. Longer wait times. Fewer caregivers. More administration. Less of a community.
I’ve discovered new skills, interests and perspectives. I have a unique set of qualifications that are hard to get by: I’m a STEM major from a world renowned university, with experience in medicine, technology, engineering and am proficient at art (the glue that holds it all together). A true renaissance spirit with a lot of tricks left up my sleeve.
I still have a few months left to ponder.
Still have a few more months to gain back my fighting spirit.
10 years ago I left life science to embark on a journey in health care and I have not regretted it for a second. Thus, there is no doubt in my mind that what ever path lies ahead, I’ll be just fine.
