This week's episode is short and sweet and all about the importance of DEBRIEFING your career before embarking on your Next Shift.
How many times have you debriefed an incident while on the job? HOPEFULLY several…any major and critical incident…but I know that is not always the case. In fact, when I first posted about the DEBRIEF event I am hosting, alongside a few incredible people who serve first responders, I got feedback from several officers that they had NEVER debriefed an incident. It made me think back and I also have never debriefed an incident...which is a total disservice to first responders.
I understand that even with a debrief, we can still carry parts of those incidents with us, piling on top of the seemingly “simple” calls and trauma we face nightly. It is important that we acknowledge the things we see and do each shift are NOT normal. We may be able to disassociate from it while on the job, but what about when we're no longer in that line of work and the images creep in or the sounds or the smells?
One critical incident no one prepares us for or thinks about debriefing is the end of our career…especially if it’s TAKEN from us before our expected departure.
This is partially due to us being “just a number,” and departments not really caring what happens to us after we leave…and partially because of our “I’m fine. I’m not asking for help,” mentality.
Well, I’m here to change that and so are the incredible people tagged below, who are putting this event on with me! We are PASSIONATE about serving you and ensuring that you feel seen and heard, whether still on the job or dealing with the transition.
We are hosting a FREE event for current and former law enforcement and their families, who are planning for or struggling with the transition.
We will be sharing our own stories and struggles, followed by a Q&A session and an opportunity for you to share YOUR story, with time to mingle/connect afterwards.
The event is 11/4/23 from 0900 - 1200 hours, and the location is TBD in the KC area, based on interest, as well as virtual. You can sign up to show your interest here and once the details on location are finalized, you will receive an e-mail.
To "meet" your panelists, be sure to follow them below:
Rachel Murdock on instagram and LinkedIn
Kim Colegrove on instagram and LinkedIn
Kip Nelson on instagram and LinkedIn
If you haven't already...make sure you follow me on LinkedIn and on Instagram at @_nextshift_ AND @the_jessflores
If this podcast resonates with you or you feel like it could help someone else, please feel free to share it with them and/or on your social media platforms...but be sure to tag me so I can personally say THANK YOU!
Be sure to subscribe by clicking the + sign at the top and if you feel called to do so, I'd love to hear your thoughts in a review.
See you Next Shift
