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How ER Doctors Saved My Husband (and My Writing) by Susie Kralovansky

3/6/2019

19 Comments

 
Picture
​My husband, Kurt was thirty minutes into a three-hour bike ride when he had a stroke. And crashed. He woke up surrounded by biking friends and EMTs. The trip to the ER revealed that both his hip and clavicle were fractured, and he couldn’t move his left leg.
           
​ I was amazed as I watched the ER staff. I saw no hustle. No obvious sense of urgency. The same was true when he was moved to the ICU. Again, there was no alarm, no hustle. Not one person yelled, “STAT!” but the amount of work they accomplished was amazing. 

As I watched these professionals, it occurred to me that I should try this methodical, efficient, stress-free movement from task to task to increase productivity in my writing life.

When a patient arrives in the ER, the doctors have a protocol they follow. Kurt’s fractures had been identified, but they weren’t addressed until the brain bleed was under control. The other items aren’t being ignored or forgotten, but there is no use fixing a broken hip if bleeding in the brain can’t be stopped.

The hospital staff begins each day with an assessment of the patient’s condition – something we can easily do with our writing. They then form a plan and check off each item as it is accomplished. Their mantra is to stay focused, stay calm, and reach out for help if they’re overwhelmed, all excellent writing advice.

Writers may have one, two, or even seven irons in the fire, but to move forward productively, we also need a protocol:

  • Assess your patient(s). If you’re under contract, that’s your main objective; if you’re in the idea stage of a new piece, that is your focus. Don’t fix the clavicle just yet. Fix the brain bleed first.  
  • Panic and stress are counterproductive. If you hurry, mistakes happen. When you work yourself into a tizzy trying to find that perfect phrase, word, research tool, etc. – stop! Take a breath and change your mindset.
  • Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t forget the importance of your community – your critique partners, your writing friends.

Ready to give it a try? Set up your own productivity protocol (STAT!) and find yourself moving methodically and efficiently through your writing tasks. 
19 Comments
Jilanne Hoffmann
3/7/2019 10:20:25 am

I have so many projects partially completed right now, I really needed this today. Thank you!

Reply
Susie Kralovansky link
3/9/2019 07:59:09 pm

Thanks, Jilanne. Just keep telling yourself, like The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper, "I think I can. I think I can!"

Reply
Carmela McCain Simmons
3/7/2019 02:32:12 pm

Praying that your husband continues to recover fully. Thank you for sharing this personal insight. My new mantra will be "ER... Zen."

Reply
Susie Kralovansky link
3/9/2019 08:00:35 pm

Thanks, Carmela. Yes, "ER...Zen" is the perfect phrase.

Reply
Ned Overmyer
3/7/2019 02:58:15 pm

Susie,
Hope your husband is ok! We will pray that he has a quick recovery. May I post this on our School website. If not I understand. Godspeed to you both!

Ned

Reply
Susie Kralovansky link
3/9/2019 08:01:53 pm

Hey Ned,
Thanks for the kind words. He is improving every day. And, yes, I would love for you to share on your school website.
Thanks,
s

Reply
Paulette Waymouth
3/7/2019 03:44:30 pm

Our thoughts and prayers are with you Both! Caregiving can be just as hard on you as Rehab is on Kurt!

Reply
Susie Kralovansky link
3/9/2019 08:03:30 pm

Thanks, Paulette! Yes, I'm the one mostly sitting, and I go home each day exhausted! But, he's getting better everyday.

Reply
Noelle McBride
3/7/2019 04:58:20 pm

Susie! I am in awe of your observational skills even in such a stressful time. This is an amazing and helpful process that we can all apply.

Reply
Susie Kralovansky link
3/9/2019 08:04:50 pm

Hey Noelle,
Thanks for the kind words and for picking up the slack. Where would I be without a friend like you?!

Reply
Lindsay Leslie
3/8/2019 06:56:23 am

I'm thinking of you both as your husband continues his recovery. Thank you for sharing this moment of mindfulness during a difficult time.

Reply
Susie Kralovansky link
3/9/2019 08:05:47 pm

Thanks, Lindsay! So sorry I missed the big celebration!

Reply
Art Jacobs
3/8/2019 08:21:56 pm

Prayers! I never new.

Reply
Susie Kralovansky link
3/9/2019 08:07:37 pm

Thanks, Art. The picture Lisa posted was just what I needed on an especially tough day.

Reply
Meredith Davis link
3/9/2019 05:58:33 am

Susie, I am grateful for the clear-minded caregivers who helped your husband, and for this inspiration you had in the midst of worry and fear. To keep calm, pay attention to what matters most, and look at the situation objectively are all skills I can use in my writing life. Praying your husband recovers fully!

Reply
Susie Kralovansky link
3/9/2019 08:08:21 pm

Thanks, Meredith. You are so kind.

Reply
Donna Janell Bowman link
3/9/2019 12:25:29 pm

Oh, Susie, I'm so glad Kurt is safe, and that you're able to turn the scare event into a productive lesson for the rest of us.

Reply
Susie Kralovansky link
3/9/2019 08:13:10 pm

Thanks, Donna. I'm so lucky to have such a supportive writing community.

Reply
Deb Martin
3/11/2019 09:45:31 am

I'm sorry to hear about Kurt's stroke, but glad to hear about the care he has been receiving. Thinking of you and your family.

Reply



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