Our prompt was to collaborate and create a Behavioral Health Emergency Department (ED) along with integrating EmPATH units. In 47 hours, we were all able to work together and successfully complete the challenge!
As a nurse, I thought positive and effective patient care was only possible in a clinical setting. After this challenge, I learned that I could use my experience as a nurse to not only have a great impact on patient care, but also the hospital staff and the overall built environment. This challenge made me creatively think in ways that were incredibly new for me. For example, I was tasked to research layouts of Behavioral Health and EmPATH units, staff them, create a budget for the staff that was needed, create a transition and activation schedule, and direct the other disciplines about how to approach the flow of patients/staff.
I also have a newfound respect for engineers, architects, and those in construction management! The biggest lesson I learned was that you can accomplish anything as long as you work together as a team. Without even meeting my team members before this, we connected so well, worked hard together, and claimed 1st in the competition!
My community is filled with healthcare workers in all fields- MDs/DOs, NPs, RNs, PAs, PTs, OTs, dentists… you name it. For everyone inside, or even outside, of healthcare, I would highly consider using your experience to work with other disciplinary fields because there are certainly many ways in which you could positively impact the direction of healthcare while improving the lives of others.
Lastly, this whole experience would not have been possible if it weren’t for the guidance of both Dr. Jane Carrington (Associate Professor at University of Florida) & Dr. Elizabeth Johnson (Assistant Professor, Montana State University College of Nursing). Thank you for this eye-opening experience and for letting me see a different, freshening side of healthcare.
