Desensitization

The first few times I had to do the gross things of this job, such as wiping up poo, I was naturally a little bit grossed out. I quickly got over it, and continued on.

Now, I find that I have been desensitized to the icky aspects of this job. Wiping up poo is now quite normal, and no longer a big deal. Cleaning up catheters and colostomies is no longer a big deal. It's all part of the day to day routine.

Sadly, I've also found myself becoming a bit more distant and desensitized to the residents themselves. For example, I know that Dick and his wife Iris are a difficult couple. Dick has Alzheimers and will tell you the same stories over and over and over again. I've heard them already. I blow them off now, instead of at least acting intersting. I bet these old folks feel patronized.

I have become desensitized to all the fucked up office politics and gossip as well. I stay out of it. Many times, the private conversations of my coworkers are less than professional. Yes, the coworkers are quite professional with the residents, and do their jobs well. But outside of the interactions with the residents, its quite a different story. I'm sick of all the petty crap, so I ignore it.

It really is amazing how quickly us humans will adapt to a stressful environment.