Many years ago when I was just a few years into anesthesia I found myself in the lounge complaining about the previous day’s cases. I had 3 heart cases and bounced room to room. I remember getting out somewhere between 5-6 pm. I was exhausted. The next day I found time in the lounge to express my displeasure with the previous day.  I was going on and on about how hard the day had been and probably saying something about fairness etc. I don’t remember everything I said but I do remember looking up to see a cookie traveling at me at a high rate of speed like a frisbee. The cookie nailed me in the chest and fell to the floor. I looked over to see one of the older CRNAs (who is still a great friend of mine today) staring at me and said “Do you want a cookie?”

I got the point. Everyone had been in the same situation at some time or another. I was not the first CRNA to do 3 hearts in one day. I was not the first to work until 5-6 pm and go home exhausted. It was a valuable lesson that I will never forget. I still laugh about this story every time I think about it.

The next time your day is going bad remember that it has happened to all of us. We all have those days where we feel like we have been pushed to our limits. Maybe we didn’t get lunch. Maybe we had to work extra. Don’t get mad, upset and start complaining. Take a deep breath and remember we have all been there. Your ability to control your emotions in these times will be your greatest strength. Hopefully you will not need the flying cookie to remind you.  — Joel Donald