Something For The Pain: Compassion And Burnout In The ER (2009) - Plot & Excerpts
I know that what I see in ERs on television isn't going to be an accurate portrayal of what goes on in them, so this book sounded interesting. And it was. Paul Austin does a great job not only of telling the true stories--some funny, some heartwrenching, some almost unbelievable--of what happens during his ER shifts at a hospital in Durham, NC, but also deftly interweaving their effects on his personal life. The book covers thirteen years of his life in the ER and aptly conveys both the nervousness and uncertainty of his early days and his slow gain of confidence as time goes by. Most interesting to me were the emotional aspects of life as an ER doctor; Dr. Austin delves into the difficulties of emotionally handling the frequent tragedies that come rolling through the door on the paramedics' gurney and the delicate balance of displaying compassion and yet not letting sad situations affect his ability to help. This book is a great look inside an area that the public often doesn't see. So, I'm conflicted about this book. Overall, I feel like it's a good addition to the field of memoirs from healthcare workers. I really love the way in which he is able to describe the issues in healthcare that I feel are difficult to illuminate: the unbelievable pressure to provide excellent, compassionate care to people who don't appreciate it or take care of themselves, the current state of medico-legal concerns and then the more personal: sleep deprivation and its effect on sanity. I relate to all of that in many of the same ways. At the same time, I don't really like the author and how he chooses to deal with these pressures and how he lets them effect his outlook on life and his treatment of his family. It's definitely a good warning re: the effects of burnout.
What do You think about Something For The Pain: Compassion And Burnout In The ER (2009)?
Moving, realistic and occasionally gutting. As one Amazon reviewer put it, "the agony of empathy."
—bloopowo
Fabulous read...just like everyday I see in my ER.
—puertoricanpridee66
