You would be right in thinking becoming a doctor was hard enough, but some of the every day problems that come with being a doctor really do put it all into perspective. From administrative work to sore feet, doctors have to go through a lot. Here’s some of the problems doctors face every day in the hospital.
1. Administrative Work
Let’s start with the basics, when you’re not tied between the ER and the wards you’ll most likely be found at your desk behind mountains of paperwork. The average doctor spends around 8.7 hours per week or roughly 16.1% of their average weekly duties purely on administration. It’s argued that the time can be better spent on the patients themselves.
2. Dehydration
It’s not often that you find time for a break with the 40-60 hours of shift work most doctors carry out on a weekly basis. It’s normal to go long periods without proper nutrition and time to have a drink. This can have a negative toll on your long-term health.
Even though you’ve got lots of responsibilities, it’s important to take your breaks when you can. Just taking 5 minutes to one side, to have a brew and a snack, to ensure your body is looked after, will help maintain your overall health. Here are some tips you can use to help you stay healthy.
3. Pronunciation
There are times when you will have to ask patients to pronounce their names for you. It's awkward, especially since you don't want to say your patient's name incorrectly.
Some patients can be rude when you ask them to pronoune their names - but remember, it's better to ask rather than say it incorrectly, which will likely make the patient feel like you don't care about them, because they'll think you can't be bothered to say their name correctly.
4. Non-Compliant Patients
Being a doctor means you will need a very broad skillset. Persuasion? That’s one of them. Often enough, you’ll have to attend to a patient who is completely rejectful of the proposed treatment/advice they have been given. Not only does this take time away from your day, but often, from other needing patients as well.
5. Proactive Patients
Whilst you may get patients who will be non-compliant, you’ll also get some that are entirely sure of their symptoms thanks to the aid of a quick Google Search. Whilst the help is greatly appreciated, doctors really do know what’s best.
If you find yourself in a situation with a proactive parent or patient, then you should be respectful of their research. They’re concerned, so they’ve gone the extra mile to research the problem. Be considerate of what they’ve learnt even if it’s not the right diagnosis or treatment plan, before giving them your opinion.
6. Sore Feet
With doctors averaging from 40-60 hour work weeks, it’s common that you’ll find yourself on your feet for the majority of them, leading to unwanted aching foot pains throughout the day.
Whilst some of these problems doctors face everyday in the hospital are difficult to resolve, you can ensure long-lasting comfort by investing in a quality pair of slip-resistant shoes. Here at SFCE, we are one of the leading providers of healthcare footwear to ensure that whilst you may have many on-the-job problems, sore feet isn’t one of them.
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