[Dysphagia] Holiday Coverage

[chcky619 at bellsouth.net (Ralph and Patti)]

I have watched the comings and goings of those who work acute care and paid attention to the debate about SLP staffing being so incredibly small when compared to PT/OT.  I thought someone would speak up and express my feelings, but it didn't happen.  My question is:  If your loved one had an acute event on Christmas eve, would you expect that someone respond?  If your loved one was dying and needed intervention to make the last hours comfortable, would you expect someone to respond?  We as SLPs want respect and support from the medical community, but why should they give that?  We are posturing as prima donnas who need all holidays.  I worked acute care for three years and was on call 24/7.  I did what needed to be done to insure the integrity of my profession and to demonstrate to the medical community that we have value.  I treasure my personal life, but I also know when I was licensed to practice, I was charged to insure the integrity of my profession.  My family learned how to creatively celebrate the holidays when Mom was working.  Patti