Patience is a Virtue

By Joe Sullivan, MJ • Phoenix, AZ

For the past few years, I have been working as a driver for non-emergency medical transport, and it has been a real opportunity to get to know myself.  I did not realize how impatient I was until I started working this job.  I am still quite impatient in many ways, but I believe this job has really taught me to be more patient.  

First of all, my driving is very different than before.  I do not take risks.  I learned that safety is everything.  If I want a passenger to have a peaceful ride, it must be safe and pleasant.  This takes patience.  

Secondly, I had to prioritize the purpose of the service I provide.  The number one priority is to meet the needs of the patient/passenger.  This means reasonably waiting for them at their house or apartment, doctor’s office, clinic, or hospital.  In my job I am not paid to wait.  I am paid by the mile “as the crow flies”.  The fare is earned only after each ride is completed.  It is a temptation to rush a patient in order to finish the ride and move on to the next ride.  I came to realize that it is not about the fare or wage but about the passengers and their needs.  Sometimes this can be a challenge, especially if the company sends me to pick-up a passenger very early.  I do need to make some money, which means I cannot wait too long; otherwise, I can lose an hour of work and make nothing.  

I have learned how to wait and be patient, taking care of the patients’ needs, while at the same time making a decent wage.  In the words of the famous Dr. Abraham Low, the founder of Recovery, “If it weren’t for my patients, I would have no patience.”  Christian virtues, such as patience, come only by practicing them.  I thank the Lord for giving me a job that lets me do that.