Navigating Uncertain Times at Work (ICD-10 Anyone?)

Healthcare is often uncertain, but some times are more challenging than others. ICD-10 is a perfect example of an uncertain time that goes beyond a small bump in the road. When there is an issue that has big impact on healthcare, it can impact your job.

You need to be prepared to navigate unknown waters. Here are a few basic points to keep in mind:

• There will occasionally be uncertain times – look back in history and you can see that crises happen all the time, all over the world. But, if your job is uncertain, then you have every reason to be concerned enough to do something about it. Job-related stress has symptoms, but it also has resolutions.
• It is always a good idea to prepare for uncertain times – work on paying off your debt load even if all you can do is pay a little more than the minimum every month. Put some money in savings every payday, and don’t use it unless it is a last resort. Work out your budget so you have a handle on what you are doing with your money. Talk with your family about how you will get through a crisis; it’s like a fire drill that prepares you for emergencies.
• Don’t waste today’s energy on worrying — do something about what stresses you. Take a walk every day instead of eating a donut for breakfast (not that I object to donuts–believe me, I don’t–but a walk is de-stressing where sugary snacks backfire). Look at your worries and work on what you are in control of. If you can’t control the thing that worries you, how will worry help? Answer: it won’t.
• Forget about drama and smile at the people in your life – we are in the boat together. It makes the journey so much easier when we treat one another with kindness. The people you work with, the people you live with, and the people you interact with as you go through your day are all on the same ocean, and we all do better when we are smiling.