By Hope Cook, Physician Assistant (PA) and Burnout Life Coach
5
3333 ratings
The podcast currently has 244 episodes available.
Rob's been around medicine for long enough to know what works and what doesn't, and he was generous to share his wisdom. Hear his take on what makes a PA career sustainable in the long run, how to discern what's really important, and how work stress can take a toll on home life.
Take home points:
Burnout bleeds over into your relationships
If you’re experiencing traumatic patient cases, consider how this might be affecting you and leading to unhealthy coping mechanisms.
Be careful saying yes to overnights or shift work that causes you to lose sleep, you won’t be able to think clearly and this will take a toll on your mental health, too.
Even if you make a terrible decision and regret it, use it as a lens to see your situation through new eyes.
Don’t let the small stuff bother you. If you’re that miserable at work, make a choice to change something.
Make the choice to organize your life in a way that works for you. Traffic, health, stress, where you live, your hours.
Think in terms of sustainability over short term rewards in pay. Even if you’re paid more to take call, this might not be worth it in the long run. You can’t get time back
Look at your values and make sure your time and energy reflects that.
Find a way to leave work at work rather than bringing in emotional baggage from your stressful day.
Use your time off. Take vacations, Simplify your life as much as you can.
My book on healing burnout will be out in 2025 (editing now!!); if you're interested in being on my advanced reader team, or would like a few sneak peeks beforehand, shoot me an email, [email protected] or sign up for any of my free resources on my website
If you want to have me as a speaker, podcast guest, or collaborate with me, use the email above to connect!
Warning: Recorded in my car in the dark this morning, so not the most crystal sound quality.
This last week wasn't pretty. My book coach quit on me. I had all the feels about it, and I had to make a choice to let it lead to self sabotage or to let go of how I thought it should've been handled or what she ought to do or not do.
I'll also share about a previous bosses and how I thought it was my job to manage their emotions.
You'll taste freedom when you finally let go of the burden or worrying about other people's opinions of you and how (you think) they feel.
Interested in being a sponsor, guest or having me speak on your podcast? Reach out! [email protected]
My website has lots of freebies and resources! www.coachhopecook.com
I could listen to this lady for days! She's so grounded and generous with her wisdom. If you're feeling down and out or uncertain about your chosen career, sit back and listen.
If you'd like to connect with Sharon, she's on FB and IG
If you see this before Friday the 13th, there's still time to join my masterclass PA burnout group coaching. Reach out via email, [email protected] or go to my site!
If you'd like to be a guest on my podcast or vice versa, reach out via email, [email protected]
If you'd like to get periodic updates about my upcoming book on burnout, or if you'd like to download my free mini book on burnout, sign up on my website!
How can we make the best choice in a situation? What happens if you don't? How to handle regret and how to live life so it's less likely to happen. What if you really screw up, can you repair the damage? In this honest episode (not that the others aren't honest!) I share some of the questions I struggle with. How do I live a life that matters?
Oh! And I wanted to invite you to consider joining my group coaching:
My book on healing burnout will be out in 2025 (editing now!!); if you're interested in being on my advanced reader team, or would like a few sneak peeks beforehand, shoot me an email, [email protected] or sign up for any of my free resources on my website
If you want to have me as a speaker or podcast guest or collaborate with me, use the email above to connect!
Who are you? No, seriously. Who are you outside of your role as a PA or other healthcare provider? Inauthenticity is exhausting. Those were the very words of a coaching client earlier today, and they made me consider how this plays into burnout. I used to call it "tap dancing" for patients, and she was 100% right: This misalignment IS exhausting.
Listen to this episode for tips on being your authentic self WHILE still being a professional PA.
Oh! And I wanted to invite you to consider joining my group coaching:
My book on healing burnout will be out in 2025 (editing now!!); if you're interested in being on my advanced reader team, or would like a few sneak peeks beforehand, shoot me an email, [email protected] or sign up for any of my free resources on my website
If you want to have me as a speaker, podcast guest, or collaborate with me, use the email above to connect!
Lyndsey uses the word "propelled" to describe how she got two bachelor's degrees, two master's degrees AND held down a part-time job while being involved in global health. She got her MPH and worked part-time while in PA school! Lyndsey is very involved in global health and worked for a year in South Africa teaching PA students (called Clinical Associates there). After years of working 6 days a week she finally hit a wall, becoming frustrated with patients, a clue for her that she was experiencing burnout.
Before we get to the take-home points of the interview, group coaching is now starting after Labor Day (9/13), so if you haven't signed up, it's not too late.
More info here. Only $149 for 8 wks. It's just for PAs this round and will be one hour every Friday. If you can't do Fridays, reach out anyway and we'll discuss alternative days.
If you'd like to be a podcast guest or want to discuss sponsorships or speaking engagements, reach out via email, [email protected]
Show notes:
What are you giving up (for your future) with the decisions you’re making in the present?
Figure out what kind of framework you want for your life in 5 years and ask yourself what decisions you can make right now that’ll set you up for that
Notice if you’re getting frustrated with patients, this is often an early sign of burnout. Can you find a way to deal with that frustration that empowers both you and your patients like educating them about their condition?
Ask “who takes care of me?” Are your needs getting met? How can you show up for yourself and meet those needs?
Boundaries: Just because you can doesn’t mean you should. Ask yourself why you’re saying yes when you really mean no. Are you saying yes because you feel obligated? Will saying yes sacrifice your needs or your ability to provide good patient care?
Ask if the money is worth it? What are you giving up for the money?
Think of your time in terms of a scale. Sometimes adding in things that you’re passionate about helps tip the scale away from burnout, but it’s a conscious choice and requires stepping back and looking at how you’re spending your time.
Burnout book Lyndsey mentions, here
PAs for Global Health website, IG
Lyndsey's IG here
Before we get to the show notes, group coaching is now starting after Labor Day, so if you haven't signed up, it's not too late.
More info and sign up here. It'll start early Sept and it's only $149 for 8 wks. It's just for PAs this round and will be one hour every Friday. If you can't do Fridays, reach out anyway and we'll discuss alternative days.
If you'd like to be a podcast guest or want to discuss sponsorships or speaking engagements, reach out via email, [email protected]
Okay, back to this week's show. This episode stemmed from a discussion (aka argument) with my husband around values. How we spend our time, what's most important to us, etc. My son also pointed out one of my big distractions/addictions later that week and it made me think about how each of us has a safety mechanism in place when we're burned out or super stressed. These aren't bad per se, but they can distract us from the real issue at hand and keep us living in Stuckville.
I can't believe I fell for the oldest trick in the book. I actually believed what the voice in my head told me, which was "You suck." This was related to pursuing my passion, ie, writing this book I've been working on for the last year. For two months I wallowed, I stalled, I whined. I believed it and allowed it to almost sabotage my efforts in getting this book out to those who need it.
Luckily, I know a few amazing coaches. In this episode I'll tell you exactly what my coach did that helped me get unstuck.
If you're super hard on yourself and struggle with negative self-talk or a harsh inner critic, listen and learn!
Ohhh! There's still time if you want to join my PA group coaching!
More info and sign up here. It'll start late Aug and it's only $149 for 8 wks. It's just for PAs this round and will be one hour every Friday. If you can't do Fridays, reach out anyway and we'll discuss alternative days.
If you'd like to be a podcast guest or want to discuss sponsorships or speaking engagements, reach out via email, [email protected]
Show notes:
Challenge Self-Imposed Rules: Often, what we perceive as facts are just self-imposed rules, especially those involving "I can’t" or "I have to." Recognizing this can help you break free from unnecessary constraints.
Embrace Discomfort for Growth: Stepping out of your comfort zone and experiencing discomfort can lead to greater fulfillment through growth, learning, and self-challenge.
Prioritize the Important: Let go of minor issues and give yourself a break. This allows you to be more present with your family and enjoy quality time.
Increase Your Value as a PA: Enhance your value within your current practice by learning a new skill or focusing on a niche. This not only increases your negotiation power but can also lead to greater job satisfaction.
Recognize Burnout Signs: Be aware of burnout symptoms like irritability, hopelessness, and a lack of enjoyment in things you used to love. These are key indicators that you need to take action.
You’re Not Alone: Remember, burnout is common, and there's nothing wrong with you. Many others share your experience, and support is available.
Create Quiet Time: High achievers often try to do it all, but if you’re burned out, it’s crucial to carve out quiet time for yourself. Even a few minutes of journaling can make a big difference.
Aggressively Pay Off Student Loans: If you still have student loans, paying them off aggressively can be a favor to your future self, essentially buying yourself freedom later on.
Empower Your Language: Notice the words you choose. "I choose to" is empowering, while "I have to" isn’t. This shift in language can change your mindset and actions.
Believe in Yourself and Let Go of Perfectionism: Believe that you can make changes and take responsibility for your actions. Stop fearing failure by asking, “What’s the worst thing that can happen?” Remember, you can always go back if needed.
Erin Bateman's contact info: IG @dermpabateman
FB: Erinbatemanpac
Now, for you, my devoted listener. If you'd like to be in my next group coaching for healthcare providers (for those experiencing career uncertainty or burnout), reach out here. It'll start late-Aug and it's only $149 for 8 wks.
If you'd like to be a podcast guest or want to discuss sponsorships or speaking engagements, reach out via email, [email protected]
Y'all, I'm going to be honest, this podcast was a last minute, messy version because we were stuck in California after the Microsoft update/crash thanks to a canceled Delta flight.
But the Universe delivered a clear message from several sources and I am passing it along to you, my fellow PAs and medical friends.
Here are 5 things you might catch yourself saying that seem innocent enough, but they're BIG clues you're not giving yourself what you need (and blaming others). I am guilty as charged. See how you feel after listening to the next 8 minutes! (book referenced: The Art of Extreme Self Care by Cheryl Richardson
Now, for you, my devoted listener. If you'd like to be in my next group coaching for healthcare providers (for those experiencing career uncertainty or burnout), reach out here. It'll start mid-Aug and it's only $149 for 8 wks.
If you'd like to be a podcast guest or want to discuss sponsorships or speaking engagements, reach out via email, [email protected]
The podcast currently has 244 episodes available.
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