Looking fresh

A former colleague: It’s great to see you. You look fresh, well rested.

Me: Thanks.

I am well rested.

I haven’t had my sleep interrupted due to being on call through the night for over three months now.

Being on call through the night is part and parcel with being a physician.

While some nights were relatively quiet, others completely sucked.

Working through the night, for the nursing staff, was not a joy for them, I know.

I always did self-talk, when called, reminding myself of the same so as to be respectful in responding, especially when called for concerns that really weren’t urgent or emergent.

Also, some of the least experienced nurses worked through the night as it often represented an initial opportunity for employment in the healthcare system where I practiced.

However, they went home after the night shift to rest.

I navigated through the next day of work often feeling like crap due to sleep deprivation.

I can honestly say I don’t miss call, that’s for sure.

I had 40 years of intermittently being on call through the night and for entire weekends.

I almost can’t remember just how terrible I felt, and must have looked, for a good portion of my adult life.