From Survive to Thrive: Emerging from Crisis to Help Nurses

https://base-camp.me/2020/11/23/torngat10

The Infectious Disease Council (IDC) was formed during a moment of crisis. As the world, faced its first true pandemic in over 100 years, was desperately searching for ways to survive COVID-19, this interdisciplinary group of international experts joined forces to provide guidance, knowledge and expertise when it was needed the most. Together they advised organizations on the best ways to mitigate the risks of COVID-19; how to monitor for temperature, symptoms and exposure; to implement isolation and quarantine procedures, testing and contact tracing; and how to safeguard against legal landmines when collecting private personal and medical data.

We survived the initial wave, and the IDC’s guidance helped thousands of individuals and institutions respond to the disease. In the fall of 2020, with the first wave behind us, the IDC met again to pivot their focus from “survive” to “thrive” – from a tactical response needed in crisis, to a strategic response that would promote long term success for the healthcare field’s largest profession – nursing.

Donna M., CEO of redacted, traveled to BaseCamp for the first IDC Summit, where she was joined virtually by guest Robyn B. from the redacted, as well as IDC Members Dr. Deborah T., Dr. George A., Dr. Michael A., Dr. Douglas G., Ben M., David P. and Jonathan B..

Over the course of two days, the IDC discussed the impacts that COVID-19 has had on clinical placements in nursing education and ways to advance the nursing profession, including how data could be used to strengthen the individual’s journey from education to and through professional life. The discussion revealed a number of challenges, including inadequacies within the nursing talent pipeline, an increase demand for nursing professionals and graduates, a decrease in the number of clinical placements, and a nursing shortage exacerbated by COVID-19, burnout, supply and quality issues.

“Now is the best time to act,” said Donna. “The pandemic has really showed that we’re in a crisis in our country – and across the globe. We have some big problems to solve, but we’re not going to be able to so in a silo. You need all kinds of partners. We have to listen to each other to address the nursing shortage.”

For Donna, who has been to Wilmington to visit BaseCamp many times before, this visit was unique.

“I always enjoy coming here, but this has been a completely different experience,” said Donna. “I went out [on a pontoon boat] for about an hour on the river looking at the grasses and learning more about [Basecamp CEO] Brett's vision. It’s just amazing. Being in this type of environment and talking to people like that just gives me energy. I will always remember that conversation.” She added, “For me, personally, this was really rejuvenating.”

Hours of incredible conversations between IDC members were followed up, for Donna, with world-class food, accommodations and hospitality at BaseCamp.

“I’ve been so spoiled to have a chef cook for me all the time,” said Donna. “Then there was the homemade pizza that we had so much fun making. Brett was a wonderful chef who showed us how to make our pizza dough, and then we popped it into the wood fired oven. We ate it here on the rooftop, and it was gorgeous. The sun was setting and the views of the water, being with good friends and fellow colleagues – it was really amazing.”

BaseCamp served as a backdrop to the IDC Summit, empowering a group of experts to address some of the most pressing challenges facing nursing education and the nursing profession.

“If someone asked me about my recent trip to BaseCamp, I would explain to them that, yes, it was exceptional environment – but for me, it was all about the conversations and the innovation and the feeling of partnership and collaboration,” said Donna. “This is not the end of an experience. This is the beginning of a new journey. And for me, that’s what’s truly exciting.”