Getting called in at 3:00 AM for an emergency…working double shifts when the unit is short…verbal and physical abuse from ungrateful patients…pushing yourself further and further…and further yet. 

For what?

Outsiders would say that it’s for the money, but I find that amusing.  If someone is smart enough to go through all the years of school (and get into that particular school in the first place), they are smart enough to get a very well-paying job that doesn’t have people suing them, barking at them, waking them up, or exhausting them for their entire career.  On top of that, when you take out student loan interest, taxes, and malpractice insurance, the outside world looks even better.

That’s why I believe it is a sacrifice. 

But it’s not just physicians, nurses, or other clinical people.  It’s many others in our industry, as well. 

I know CFO’s and CEO’s working till 9pm regularly to make building projects happen.  I know surgeons that leave home for the OR around 4 AM many days, get home at 6 PM, and then get called back later that day when they’re on call.  Not just for a week, but for a career. 

I know nurses covering double the normal patient loan when the unit is short, and it’s short a lot.  I know specialists that skip sleep after a night of responding to emergencies, just to make sure they get their clinic visits fit in.  I know Agents at Clear Medical Agency who have worked for days (and sometimes weeks) on little to no sleep in order to support these same people during their tough times.

I’ve seen the leadership challenges.  I’ve seen the exhaustion. 

I’ve seen the sacrifice.

For many people around the world, this time of year (Passover and Easter) is about Sacrifice.  I think it’s a great time to thank you for your sacrifice to others.  Pass it on!

For those of you who have to work on Easter.  Thank you for yet another sacrifice.  For those who get the day off, enjoy a well deserved break!

Thank you!

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About the Author:  Aaron lives in Milwaukee, WI with his wife and two children and is the President & CEO of Clear Medical Solutions.  When he’s not leading new initiatives, he periodically takes on interim leadership or consulting projects.  He enjoys teaching, writing, and sharing his passion for people and their healthcare.