The Career Doctor™
by Dr. Jacqueline Hornor Plumez
Looking for a first job? Thinking of changing careers?
Facing a lay-off? The Career Doctor™ is a Larchmont psychologist
specializing in career counseling. If you'd like to ask a question of
your own, use the anonymous form below, and she
might answer you here. Read more about the Career Doctor here.
Contact information is here.
BEING A HEALING FORCE AT WORK
See Letters
Dear Career Doctor:
I am a health aide in a middle school. I have been doing this for about 4
months. I am really not sure I like it. I also get so tired of the
kids coming in and playing sick because they do not want to be at
school. I have to treat all as if there is something wrong. I chose the
school, because my 11 year old goes here too. And I feel it is important
to keep in touch with what goes on with her. So when I want to look for
another job, I want one that has the same hours as her or close to it. So
do I stay and change my attitude? Or look elsewhere? Am I alone in this feeling of missing something in life?
Diane
Dear Diane:
I admire you for wanting to use your nursing knowledge to treat those who are really
hurt. But before you dismiss the children who come to your office as malingerers,
take the time to talk to them. My guess is that you will find that many are in need of your
healing kindness.
Kids who are able to learn, have happy home lives and friends in class, rarely make up excuses
to come to the nurse’s office. Talk to the kids who come to your office, and try to find out
why they are avoiding class. Are they lonely? The victim of a bully? Do they have
troubles at home? Undiagnosed learning disabilities? Team up with the school social
worker and school psychologist to try to figure out how to help. Sometimes just a chat
with a sympathetic person who is a good listener can be far more therapeutic than handing
out aspirin for a headache.
If you try this approach and are still unhappy, there are lots of ways a nursing aide can
work hours that are congruent with school hours. Consider working part time in a doctor’s
office or with an agency that sends aides to patients’ homes for helpful visits.
The Career Doctor
Ask The Career Doctor:
The Career Doctor cannot answer every question here, and she does not
respond to personal emails. Please use this form to ask your question.
The Career Doctor™ is Larchmont
psychologist and career counselor, Dr. Jacqueline Hornor Plumez.
Her office is at 90 Beechtree Drive in Larchmont, 914-834-1982.
Front
Page
Print This Page
