I've unfortunately failed to update this blog as much as I had initially planned to, and have lost track of my days at the hospital. For this reason, I will begin to date each post as opposed to displaying which day I am describing.
A lot has occurred since I last updated, and far too much to delve into here. I felt compelled to make a post today based on a brief discussion I observed taking place between one of the therapists and volunteers earlier. The therapist confirmed what I feel some of the higher-educated hospital staff must be feeling in their occupation there: they are not being utilized in the way they were trained.
"I found myself, a few months ago, driving to work, and feeling as though I'm dragging myself there," the therapist began. "That's not how I planned for this to be. That's not what I feel all the schooling I went through is for. I have attempted to provide so much reform in the lesson plans for group sessions here, and it seems as though the people making decisions for me don't understand the importance of what type of therapy I should be conducting. I see a lot of lower-functioning patients lately, and the type of work I am assigned to clearly doesn't work for them. It is above their capability of comprehension, but I am not listened to. I used to get satisfaction out my work when I'd see even minimal change, but now, I feel I am trying to teach a new language."
The volunteer empathized, and asked why no one has bothered to allow for change when they have noticed no result in her current work. "Attempting to change anything is like talking to a wall," she said, defeated. "That's why I hope to earn my doctorate and apply myself elsewhere in a few years. I feel my time here is coming to a close."
What's especially upsetting about this is, she seemed so genuinely affected by it. You could tell she has invested so much effort only to be shut out. I am not sure how many other staff members feel this way, and I am sure it depends on the type of therapy they are assigned to, but this conversation upset me deeply. Here is someone who has the capability of leading change in ways that she has been trained to do, but is being channeled into areas that clearly are not beneficial to the individuals or her. Needless to say, issues such as this need to be readily addressed.
