Often our jobs start to feel very routine. As we work through our schedules doing what we do. We spend each day just pushing each person just a little bit more and more.
Many times it can feel like we are just doing what we do. The slow steady progress with a resident can almost lull you into a feeling of complacency. You know you are making a difference but there is no excitement.
Sudden changes can make you feel important
When we are lucky enough to have significant progress occur it can be a very exciting and joyous occasion. It really makes you feel accomplished when your resident make a large gain in function.
These gains can happen where you least expect it. Suddenly they can bear weight on a leg and take some steps for the first time, or maybe it is suddenly doubling the amount of walking without a rest. It can be the first time they are able to get up from the wheelchair without help, or be able to use the bathroom by themselves.
These moments really help to reinforce all the hard work put in to that point. The excitement is felt by not only you but the resident also. Sometimes it is a huge smile or a high five, but the feeling can be very reassuring that you are making a difference.
One of the best compliments is being known
Sometimes you really realize the impact that you have made on someone when the family knows who you are. It truely makes a hugh impact on you when you meet a family member and you get to hear….”oh Mom told us all about you, she loves working with you.”
There is no better compliment in the world and really warms your heart. I am very thankful to have these experiences at times. It really makes a huge difference, especially when somehow it just seems to happen just when you might need it.
