Blog Contribution by NIHD President Kelly Guzman, MN, RN, EDAC.
I love to travel, explore new places, and learn about different cultures. Traveling across the nation to different healthcare organizations has been something I have always looked forward to. However, recently I have found myself questioning the cost-benefit of the travel experience. The adventures I once looked forward to have become more of a series of adventure novels, where all the stories end badly. I am one of those people who love to plan, typically I have my days carefully planned down to the hour to accomplish my list of daily tasks. Unfortunately, today's traveler is often faced with travel delays that disrupt plans, resulting in the need to pivot and hope that the Plan B alternative works. The airline industry, like our healthcare system, is short-staffed, seeing resources being overly committed, and ultimately impacting their ability to meet the demands of travelers.
After facing more delays and changes in travel plans over the last twelve weeks than I have experienced in the last 30 years in the industry, I have embraced Elisabeth Kubler-Ross' grieving steps, moving from denial and anger to acceptance. As many of us prepare to travel next month to the Healthcare Facilities Symposium & Expo in Long Beach, CA, and the Healthcare Design Conference + Expo in San Antonio, TX, I wanted to share some of the tips that have helped me survive. May they serve you well.
Lessons Learned:
1. Know before you go, or book! - On a recent team trip, many of our team members had a layover in the same airport. Despite traveling on different days, 100% of our team faced delays at that airport. Before getting stuck somewhere notorious for delays – especially for trips with multiple flights, check the track record and on-time schedule of your airline and flight. One helpful website is Flight Aware.
2. Plan for the Unpredictable – The weather is another reason for delays, so check the weather patterns and avoid booking a connection where there is severe weather. I recently discovered FLIGHTSTATS by Cirium, which provides weather reports and delays.
3. Carry on what you need for 24 hours. – If you plan to be delayed, it won't be such a shock if it happens. Bring essentials with you in your carry-on that you need to stay the night to ensure your unplanned delay is at least comfortable.
4. Wear comfy clothing and shoes. Airports and planes can get quite cold, so I recommend dressing in layers while traveling. A good walking shoe will allow you to run or power walk to your connection if needed. If you have a delay or layover, you can also take a walk at the airport and get some exercise!
5. Bring food and water. Pack sturdy snacks that can be carried in a reusable bag that aren't too messy or smelly. My team reminds me that nobody enjoys the smell of hard-boiled eggs or tuna fish on the airplane. Bring a reusable water bottle and fill it at the filling station at the airport. I love tea and always bring my favorite teas to help me stay calm and bring a sense of normalcy to a hectic situation.
6. Distraction therapy. Bring something to keep you occupied, such as a book, game, meditation, movie, knitting, or work. On one of my last delayed flights, I reached out to some of you to submit a member profile, join one of our committees, and to others to support our NIHD-HCD Sponsorship drive. There's always something you can do.
7. Be realistic. Unfortunately, you might have to cancel your plans, go back home, or need to plan an extra day. If it's an important trip, I recommend looking for backup flights as part of your "Plan B" and always communicate with your team to ensure there is coverage for you in the event you don't make a planned meeting.
It doesn't appear that the travel issues will be resolved or improved in the next few months. They say patience is a virtue – all of us will need it as we plan to travel for fun, work, and conferences! Being mindful and patient can help you empathize and appreciate another person's position. As much as possible, maintain a positive attitude which will contribute to your overall good health.
Blog Contribution by Kelly Guzman MN, RN, EDAC, who is currently serving NIHD as the Board President.
Sending you all good wishes for your travel experiences, and I look forward to seeing many of you in person in the coming months during the conference season.
Blog Contribution by Kelly Guzman MN, RN, EDAC, who is currently serving NIHD as the Board President. She is President and CEO of YellowBrick Consulting and can be reached at kguzman@consultyellowbrick.com.