You can run an AT out of the profession, but you can't take their work ethic

I was poking around LinkedIn and saw this post, and now, I want to give my 2 cents (and yes, I agree with it).

Now I’ve been fortunate to have largely experienced respect from colleagues and been allowed to set and stand by boundaries in my career, but I’ve had those moments of working 20+ days in a row because it’s what was required to do my job and do it well. This job is salaried exempt; no on call pay, no overtime, and if you travel you’re “on the clock” from the moment the bus leaves your school until it returns days later. 

I’ve been yelled at more than once for not coming in on my one day off a week when someone else could’ve just as easily accomplished what I was yelled at for. I’ve been told I need to be all in and give every minute of everyday my all for the team. I’ve had coaches scream at me until they’re red in the face and their spit is flying into mine. I’ve been told I’m never available but they don’t see me running on fumes internally making sure everything runs smoothly for them externally. Coordinating the entirety of 60+ people’s medical care for 4+ years is a 24/7/365 gig that few can appreciate. 

If someone who has been an AT is applying for a position with your company - take a chance. They’ve handled high stress on zero rest and prioritized EVERYTHING else in their lives around a role that seems to garner extremely little respect, and often indifference or disdain, from those not in the profession. When you bring in someone who has had success through that AND show them respect, say thank you, and allow them time for themselves outside of the job; you'll be amazed by how successful they’ll be and how much they can do for you.

Speaking from personal experience, since leaving the collegiate setting for secondary school, I've been able to take multiple vacations, started this incredible concept of a company, worked MORE and stressed LESS. When you are not only able to stear your own ship, but be respected for it, complimented on it, and given ownership of it, it is amazing what can be accomplished,

I'll be the first to admit, I did not possess the proper work ethic through high school, college, or really graduate school. But when I joined a profession I love and given the responsibilty for the health and safety of others, I not only found the drive to step into the role, but blow expectations out of the park (don't take my word for it; I'm happy to give references).

So whether it's an AT changing practice settings, or leaving the profession as a whole... I GUARANTEE it is worthwhile to take a chance on them.