Kenna Morton's Journal, 09 Aug 19

What are ways that helped you cope during those stressful days? 

I was born that way, and I was good at what I did. It was just part of the job. 

I guess I am responding to your comment "You have to learn to control how you handle stress." For those who aren't born that way - how do they learn?  

A person needs to assess for themselves whether the stress they experience is isolated to certain circumstances or is it a pervasive element in their lives and something that is made larger in their own minds. Circumstantial stress like a job performance issue, may be able to be dealt with by making sure that they are prepared for the event. Education and experience builds confidence. people dealing with the public can take steps to learn how to deal with confrontation and also successful anger disarming techniques. Family stress is the most difficult I think and most people don’t deal with unacceptable behavior until it becomes a crisis. It takes practice to voice your concerns early and to make your expectations known. These are all self esteem and confidence scenarios. Practice can help negate that stress. I have a friend whose dad was a small man with three sons over 6 ft. tall— never in his life did his dad ever raise his voice. When he was angry he talked very softly so the kids had to step in close to hear what he said. Intimidated the hell out of those boys. No scream, no yell, no hitting. 

I was admitted to the hospital last year because my child was dehydrated, I saw many sick children, I was crying a lot. I think working in nursing or medicine helps to become a stronger heart and able to withstand stress. 

Safa— many of us in these types of professions learn to compartmentalize those natural feelings. We do our job and when it’s done we move on to the next event. At the end of my shift I left it all on the garage floor with my dirty uniform. Some people can’t and don’t last long in these professions.  

@ kenna Morton Safa I agree, it's how I managed throughout my 30+ years in the profession. The image is not as horrific as it seems, just "another day at the office." And while that may sound insensitive it isn't. I've cried with the families of my pts. 

That was my job from 1964 to 2011...Emergency Room, and ICU. You're correct Kenna, strip down in the garage , throw it in the washer. before entering the house. Thank you Kenna for the years and hard work you put in.  

Thank you so much for your service to the community.