10/14/2020
Today’s blog has to do with appreciation. Many of us go through each day with a healthy dose of expectation and take the majority of things for granted. There are those who live in an altered state and perpetual state of gratitude. These are those folks who are appreciative for the big things as well as the little things.
DO YOUR JOB!
When we go out in the world, we expect that people should do their jobs to meet our expectation. We must be completely satisfied, or we will “notify the manager.” What if we shifted our paradigm to recognize most are doing the best they can? Rather than being quick to anger, maybe a little understanding and compassion are in order.
DON’T SHOOT THE MESSENGER!
John and our sonography team can tell you about exasperated patients who want them to explain what they are seeing during an ultrasound exam. The fact of the matter is, it is their job to collect the images and get them to your healthcare provider. It is not their job to diagnose. The sonographer may not always know exactly what the issue is, but most have a surprisingly good idea. They are neither being rude or evasive when they can’t tell you what they see. It is simply not their place to do so, hence, don’t shoot the messenger!
A DOSE OF REALITY
“Sonographers know immediately when your baby no longer has a heartbeat, when the cancer has spread, when a clot in your vein may kill you, when drugs have affected your heart, when your baby has a horrific fetal defect, when that aneurysm looks like it will burst at any time, when your baby is growing outside of your uterus and your life is in danger etc.
…and we are not allowed to tell you any of it.
We also rejoice when you finally get pregnant after 10 years, have your rainbow baby after a terrifying loss, the mass isn’t cancer, the cancer didn’t spread, the surgery was successful, etc. No, our job isn’t “fun” or “happy” all the time because we get to look at healthy babies or healthy people. It is devasting but rewarding, stressful but wonderful, challenging but worth it.
-RS (Sonographer)
ULTRASOUND APPRECIATION
This is ultrasound appreciation month. I hope you now have a deeper understanding about the kind of responsibility the “techs” deal with each day. We prefer and I’m sure they appreciate being referred to as ultrasound technologists. They have gone through tough schooling, specialty training, rigorous board exams and countless hours of repetition and practice to become proficient in their skill.
HDD
Make no mistake, the job of a sonographer is not easy. They are subject to myriad work-related injuries including musculoskeletal disorders due to repetitive motion, transducer pressure, ergonomic challenges, and little control over their workload, to name just a very few.
The next time diagnostic ultrasound is indicated (call us at 505-350-3397), please take a minute to thank and appreciate your sonographer for all the things they are able to show you as well as the things they are not.