In my October column, I highlighted some of the negative experiences I had encountered as an NQP so far. I was unsure if I wanted to share this side of being an NQP, but I would be painting a false narrative if I said it was all sunshine and rainbows. However, these negative experiences are not isolated to NQPs. They are experienced by all grades of ambulance staff across the UK. I believe it is important to acknowledge the challenges we face, as well as the impact these can have on our physical and mental wellbeing – which if not addressed, will lead to burnout.
Reflecting back on October's article, I was entering what I like to call a ‘rut’ and unfortunately, this creeped into the following months. Prolonged waits outside the accident and emergency (A+E) department have easily been the biggest challenge and contributor to this. I imagine that the majority of my UK colleagues can relate to this. I was fortunate to complete my training in an area that had very few long waits. Although I knew what I was signing up for when I was back home, it has certainly taken time to adjust to this. Arriving to A+E felt deflating, and at times reflected a game of Tetris with ambulance vehicles. It felt weird waiting so long that I had to hang up a second bottle of intravenous (IV) paracetamol. As time went on, I became increasingly frustrated, and equally disheartened by this. I felt selfish for having these emotions and I sympathise with my colleagues who have more years on the road. Having seen the dramatic change in A+E wait times, it must impact them even more. For me, it got to a point where I dreaded signing on in the morning, as you were more than likely going to relieve a night crew outside A+E (though on the bright side, it meant they were going home to rest).
However, it was not just my crewmate and I stuck outside A+E; it was our patient and their relatives who were understandably frustrated by the ‘broken system’. In addition, our patient was either in pain or unwell, and there are only so many interventions you can provide until you run out. Then it is a matter of getting them into A+E for further treatment. All I could do was apologise and offer copious amounts of tea and biscuits.
I sound so negative don't I? Fortunately I have encountered a rut before, during my time as a student paramedic, so I know when I'm experiencing something similar again. I had a great mentor who picked up on this (and in my own words, gave me the kick up the a*se I needed). If I continued with this negativity, I would quickly start to dislike the career I worked so hard for. So, I had that sit-down chat with myself and changed my outlook. I was wasting my time and energy becoming frustrated over something that was out of my control. I just had to be a good paramedic for my patient.
Fast forward to the present, I feel like I have left my rut behind and am starting to look forward to my shifts. In addition, I have entered a new shift pattern with a permanent crewmate, which is bringing consistency to my life. I now feel rested after my rest days. Plus, it's nice to work with somebody who has a similar pace and sense of humour to you. It makes work fun, but I can rely on them when things become difficult as well. I also received encouraging feedback following a complex safeguarding I completed. It was nice to feel like my intervention had a positive impact on somebody. I'm glad I can finish my last article of 2024 on a positive note. I hope this can continue and I look forward to writing in 2025.