Caregivers as a Vulnerable Population, Essay Example

Many types of people can be considered as a vulnerable population; take it one step further and evaluate caregivers as those in an exposed situation. Where does that leave everyone? That is to say, what are the challenges that lead to a health care provider becoming burned out when providing care for vulnerable patients? How can these obstacles be overcome?

Ultimately, it is the same situation, day after day, month after month, and year after year. Someone hurt, someone sick, sometimes everything goes right and sometimes everything goes wrong. Every person in any career experiences a bit of apathy with their job at some point or another but for health care providers it is a little different; because the role of a health care provider is so dependent on caring for people burn out can negatively affect both the provider as well as the patient.

To overcome reigning apathy, then, what does a person do? First off, it is always imperative to try and get enough sleep; people are notoriously grumpy and pessimistic when they are tired. Then, too, it is important to talk out one’s feelings; venting is a key to getting over any emotional battle and keeping things locked up can get catastrophic. Exercise, also, can increase endorphins; helping people maintain optimism and a positive attitude, and so on.

Personally, going to the gym every day helps to give me something else to focus on and of course talking my day over with friends and family helps to relieve any built up annoyance with the day. Ultimately, however, everyone has to just let the day go when it is gone and move on to the next. No one can carry everything with them and expect it not to affect them negatively. If something goes wrong, know that next time it will go right. Keeping the right perspective on everything will help anyone get through every day; good or bad.

References

(2006). “Healthy sleep tips.” National Sleep Foundation. Sleepfoundation.org. Retrieved from: www.sleepfoundation.org/hottopics/index.php?secid=9&id=31.

Hoffman PF, Floras JS, Thoren P, et al. (1990). “Endorphins and exercise: physiological  mechanisms and clinical implications.” Med Sci SportsExerc. 1990;22(4):417-28.

(2006). “Survey finds workers average only three productive days per week.”  Microsoft. Retrieved from: www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/2005/mar05/03-15threeproductivedayspr.mspx.