Loving Your Job Doesn’t Have To Be Lame
There is no shame in feeling proud and showing love for our chosen roles, so why is there so much stigma to suggest otherwise?
Trying to look casual in a way that conveys longevity, experience and belonging makes people behave oddly and is often something picked up sub-consciously when we’re new. Remember those first days as a student, or on ride-along shifts? Think about who stood out the most.
Was it the person who studiously went about their business, quietly delivering only the best for patients and their profession? Or was it someone who strutted their stuff, with the aim of impressing peers and the general public?
It’s highly likely that it was the latter. There’s something appealing about that person, whether we like it or not, when we’re new and feeling out of our depth. It’s an inherent human trait that we can’t help noticing.
Think back even further, perhaps to early school days. That first foray into the real world without the security of parents, siblings and our wider circle of safety. The older students make a big impression on us right away. We are probably equal parts in awe and intimidation.
Then there’s those first experiences of going out to social events from the pre-teen years onwards. The kids that appear comfortable, self-assured and in their element make us want to look and feel just as cool as they do.
Starting weekend jobs or “before paramedic” careers holds the same allure. We learn that to be taken seriously we have to look the part, right from day one. As if we know what we are doing without hesitation. That we take everything in our stride, like we’ve seen it all before. So we do everything we can in the vain hope of being seen in the same light.
Fast forward to prehospital care. Since the 1970s there have been ambulance shows on television that portray the cool, slick and unshakeable medic.
By the time we get to fulfil that dream, for most people at least, of stepping into an ambulance and calling it our office, making it feel like home, we don’t want to look like the dreaded newbie. We don’t want patients to think that we’re just starting out and unnerve their automatic trust in our care. We want doctors, nurses and other hospital personnel to take us seriously. We hope that firefighters and police colleagues view us as equals. We want the general public to see us as calm, in control and unrattled. So we “fake it ’til we make it” and replicate our role models.
This is all well and good until we lose our sense of self and our industry risks poison by pridefulness.
Of course we need to demonstrate to those in our care that “we’ve got this” and that “everything is going to be okay” so that they feel safe and secure in stressful situations. But do we need to ambush ambition and hinder hopefulness within our ranks?
If the overriding aim becomes one of looking cool-headed and casual, where does that leave the enthusiastic EMS provider?
We only have to look at terminology to recognise that stigma stands firmly planted in the past, present and possibly, the future. Eager beavers may be encouraged to cool their jets. Industrious individuals may be warned to settle themselves down. Conscientious colleagues may be advised to stop trying so hard.
Dependent on culture within various organisations, or certain social platforms, positive descriptors of passionate paramedics quickly become labels to loathe. The diligent, dedicated, committed, particular and meticulous medic often earns a negative reputation. It is socially acceptable in some workplaces to label colleagues “uptight” or “over-cautious” or “anxious” because they go to great pains to do their very best.
But what happens when the roles are reversed? If “laid-back” is labelled “lazy“ or casual” is declared “complacent?” Confrontation is created. Arguments abound. Tension takes over. Not only are such terms widely unappreciated, for many, they are considered the type of words to reach into the realms of the slanderous slur.
So what can we do to change things and why would we even want to?
Some might say that no offence is intended and most of the time, that’s usually the case. “It’s just a joke.” “Everyone does it.” “Lighten up.”
What makes it an issue is that gradually, over time, through shaming by labelling we dissolve the determination and drive that future paramedics absolutely must maintain.
If we picture our old age, in the hands of upcoming generations of caregivers, we undoubtedly expect the very best of what they have to offer. Do we want to be tended to by EMS providers whose reputations have been built solely around fitting in? Will their strut and swagger convince us to feel confident rather than fill us with fear?
Or, deep down, if we’re really honest with ourselves, do we desperately hope that they do all of the things that cultural shenanigans currently shun? They try hard and conscientiously commit to excellence in clinical care. That image loses its importance in favour of freedom to focus on patient needs and compassion.
As EMS providers, preceptors and educators, we have the privilege of forming the mould that will create the medics of the future. If they’re looking to us for inspiration and ideas that form the basis of their belonging, then it’s up to us to convey the conduct, act out the attitude and encourage the effort that we expect to see.
I know which type of paramedic I’d like to have turn up at my door on the most desperate of days, do you?
Thanks for reading or listening.
Tammie
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