Why You Should Leave Your Ward For A  Break

Or: How To Make Sure You Don’t Start Smoking, Once You Work In  A Hospital

On any ward I have worked there are constant interruptions by colleagues, students, nurses, relatives and patients.  Almost all of their inquiries are legitimate and necessary but the sum of them will drive you crazy!

No moment during which your brain can rest. There is no chance to finish a thought. Not only introverts (like me) are worn down by this chronic noise and try to escape.

I think the main reason why many doctors start smoking is not because they like nicotine. It’s because they feel the need to escape from the crazy life on the ward.
Not a smart move. What can we do instead?

 

Instead of starting to smoke, you should take two minutes at least twice a day and leave the ward.  That will achieve the same goal and but improves your health. So start practicing good habits:

  • Go for a walk on the campus.
  • Drink a bottle of water.
  • Have a carrot.
  • Call your family.
  • Look at the sky.
  • Check People.com (I mean: ESPN.com !!!)

But do it in safe distance from your work. You won’t be anymore rested if you try this in the middle of the chaos. So make sure someone else is in charge of emergencies and leave the ward.

You think you don’t have time for a break? Wrong: You don’t have time NOT to take a break!

You will regain these five minutes easily by improved concentration afterwards. Do yourself and anybody around you this favor: Take a break!

 

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Category: Productivity