…Than being sick is being sick in a blizzard. Now when I say “sick” in this context, I’m talking about sick as in viral illness, the kind of thing that is the bread and butter of any ER. Yes, even with constant exposure we are still susceptible. Our immune systems are probably stronger than most, but there’s still a limit… I do, however, want to make the distinction here that I’m not talking about sick as in cancer. No trouble like that around here folks, and I’d like to keep it that way!
There’s a kind of perverse pride in going to work in the ER in severe weather, somebody has to be there to take care of the sick and dying. You have to be tough to do this job, and somehow it just feels satisfying to get there in a snowstorm. But you also have to be realistic; you’re not doing anyone any favors by going in sick, not being able to perform, and infecting your coworkers and patients.
So here I am in NY, an area that had a significant “weather event” in the last 24 hours which also unfortunately coordinated with me getting sick. So there’s that.
I have the kind of personality that feels an overwhelming need to fulfill obligations and meet my responsibilities. But I’m not superman. Time to rest and heal, I’ll be back soon enough…