In the ER, we see frustration and anger often, especially now post-COVID. Health systems generally are chronically stressful places. It shows up in our patients, our hospital staff, and certainly in the ER nurses and doctors.

​

So, there are strong reasons for us ER docs and nurses to learn about meditation. Well, two primary reasons actually.

​

Firstly, for preventing burnout and mental health problems in ourselves, that are brought on by the stress of our workplace. The work itself is stressful, but more importantly it is our reactions to that stress that create anxiety, anger and sadness if we do not approach situations through a “mindfulness” focus.

 

Secondly, if we can become beacons of calm amidst the stress, we will start to become “rescuers” for those around us, be they staff or patients. You will influence behaviour around you, anger levels will reduce, and in fact, you will progressively realise that you are hardly seeing any anger around you or even within you.

​

Then mindfulness becomes “wired in” and with further practice, becomes a part of our DNA – hence this term “unshakeable mindfulness”.