If you can’t be both efficient and caring at the same time, which one should you do first?

Posted on 14. Mar, 2012 by in Uncategorized

 
The way you answer this question will certainly reveal something about your philosophy of patient care. Of course efficiency and compassion are both important! But which attribute is more important?

The goal of this article is to first of all help you understand where you fall on the continuum between two health care philosophies, and secondly to invite you to think about whether or not your employer shares your philosophy.

Most therapists find themselves navigating between the following two competing philosophies when it comes to patient care. Sometimes it’s helpful to look at a philosophy in its extreme form, in order to see more clearly the gray areas in between. This oversimplification will hopefully help you recognize the competing principles at work in your organization.

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Every rehabilitation provider’s philosophy must answer this question:

What is the best way for our organization to financially profit from providing therapy services?

Somehow, rehabilitation providers have to pay their employee and facility expenses, and make a profit for their board of directors. Each rehabilitation provider has to determine how much to profit is acceptable, and find a way to maintain those profit margins, while at the same time providing the best care they can for their patients.

The end result of these choices determines the environment in which you, as a therapist, will be working.

Have your ever had a nagging sense of being a square peg that’s being pushed thru a round hole?

Have you ever felt like the ugly duckling? Different from everyone else, but trying to fit into the system, anyway?

Philosophy of care issues often hide under the surface. It’s tricky – because even when an organization has a clearly defined and communicated mission statement, or philosophy of care, that organization might be operating in a way that contradicts that mission. Actions always speak louder than words.

To determine which way on the scale your employer leans, answer this question:

If I can’t be both efficient and caring at the same time when treating a patient at work, which one would my employer expect me to do first?

If your personal answer to this question is on the opposite end of the spectrum from your employer’s answer, you might want to consider looking for an employer who values the same things that you value. Even though you may have to take a cut in pay or spend more time on your commute, your job satisfaction will increase dramatically.

 

 

 

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We facilitate permanent, short term, and travel therapy placements.

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