As a healer, is it my job to DPS? A new perspective.

[Hasrat]

Does anyone ever consider maybe some of these only-healers have tried DPSing and maybe it led to panicking or wiping? It's fine if you can handle it, but it takes some familiarity with your job, your tank, your party, and the dungeon, to really be comfortable. I've been in that situation where I've tried contributing, and the moment I slip out of healing focus, things start to fall apart. Conversely, I've been in situations where there is very little danger, and I'm perfectly comfortable switching in and out. But I'm adaptable like that. Some healers maybe have just had bad experiences (let's blame tanks who overpull, because why not =p) and would rather keep the run moving instead of potentially stumbling, just because someone wants to go faster.

[_slowpoke_]

Does anyone ever consider maybe some of these only-healers have tried DPSing and maybe it led to panicking or wiping?

So? That's not an excuse to not DPS, that's a wake-up call to get better. If a healer cannot handle both DPS and healing, they are not a good healer, because all that DPSing really requires is planning ahead for 2 GCDs. If that already leads to panic and/or wiping, they neither have a very good grasp of their toolkit nor are they able to plan ahead and deal with unexpected situations.

[Vulcwen]

So? That's not an excuse to not DPS, that's a wake-up call to get better. If a healer cannot handle both DPS and healing, they are not a good healer, because all that DPSing really requires is planning ahead for 2 GCDs. If that already leads to panic and/or wiping, they neither have a very good grasp of their toolkit nor are they able to plan ahead and deal with unexpected situations.

Yes, there are people that don't have a good grasp of their toolkit, and KNOW that. In the time to get better, you can either DPS and wipe, or stick to healing until you're comfortable with at least the healing toolkit before you go DPS.. that's a personal choice. If I go pick up a controller, I wont have a good grasp over that toolkit either, and I'll be much less inclined to DPS, as I know I'll mess up targeting/hotbar selection so much that I can't rely on myself making those clutch heals I can do with kb/mouse.

[Ragology]

Does anyone ever consider maybe some of these only-healers have tried DPSing and maybe it led to panicking or wiping?

The non dpsing healers stand out when the incoming damage isn't high enough to warrant constant healing spells. They either jump around trying to look cute, or do emotes. if they're comfrotable enough to do those things when no healing is required, tossing out a damage spell or two shouldn't send them into a state of panic.