Monique Porter, FACHE
Director of Strategic Initiatives and Oncology
Newton-Wellesley Hospital
Regent for Massachusetts
Message From Your ACHE Regent
Fall 2021
It’s hard to believe we’re almost through 2021. There was so much uncertainty at the beginning of the year, as well as hope with vaccines starting to roll out. Significant progress has been made and the path to our new normal is gradually playing out. Undoubtedly, we are headed in the right direction. However, it has been and continues to be an incredibly stressful journey.
One of the most difficult aspects is what has been referred to as the Great Resignation. With an average of 4 million people leaving the workforce per month, and the highest rates among mid-career employees in the tech and healthcare industries it’s no wonder the term “burnout” just feels par for the course. This time of year in particular can also be stressful. Under that context, it’s important to remind ourselves that we need to employ some self-care strategies. In the same way that we’re told to put on our own oxygen masks before helping others during the airplane safety check, we cannot expect to be at our best unless we take care ourselves. Finding time for self-care can be especially difficult because most of us have a tradeoff mindset – “If I take time for myself, it will take time away from something else that needs to get done.” There is plenty of research that has shown self-care allows us to be more effective at what we set our minds to, though.
There’s no one size fits all. For some it may be more sleep, meditation or other relaxation techniques. For others it could be physical activity or being around others. Sometimes it’s having the ability to say “no.” To figure out what might work best for you, try understanding what makes you feel good that you could try to do more of and what creates anxiety that you can try to avoid. Practice makes progress. Remember, you need your oxygen first so you can help others!
Along those lines, there are two areas that your ACHE of MA Chapter can help you. First, this amazing group of healthcare leaders is full of colleagues that are here to listen and help problem solve. Reach out to your colleagues or join one of our Committees to expand your network. Second, build your confidence by attending some of our educational events. The fall conference this November was incredibly informative and numerous attendees commented on how much they learned from our speakers. We also have an upcoming Conversations with Healthcare Champions featuring Dr. Anne Klibanski on Dec 7th and an Early Careerist Virtual Dinner with the C-Suite on Dec 8th. Check the events out here: https://www.massache.org/events/. Lastly, the Annual ACHE Congress will have two opportunities for supporting you – in person March 28-31 and a virtual Leadership Symposium April 11-12. Our goal is to provide options that better fit more member’s needs and schedules https://congress.ache.org/.
Please remember to take a moment to reflect on all of the good that has happened this year, enjoy your time with family and friends this holiday season and know you have a team sharing this roller coaster ride of healthcare with you!
Take care,
Monique
Get social with ACHE of MA!
LinkedIn
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter