Be Prepared: Building Readiness and Resilience for Any Crisis

The pandemic, workforce shortages, and stresses that healthcare workers are facing personally and professionally can feel overwhelming. In 2021, 55% of front-line healthcare workers reported burnout and 62% reported some mental health repercussions. Employee turnover rates are at an all-time high in healthcare organizations. The impact of this healthcare crisis is predicted to resonate in the industry for years. Though it may seem like a tall mountain to climb, healthcare managers can develop strategies to help them navigate the chaos of any disaster. This session will describe how to effectively plan for every facet of an emergency. It will explore the development of communication strategies, policies, and procedures but it will especially focus on staff management. It will describe ways to boost resilience against compassion fatigue among staff, recognize the early signs of mental and emotional health distress, and focus on recovery.

Planned with the Clinical Nutrition Management DPG

CPE Level: Level 2 (intermediate knowledge/experience)
CPEU: 1

Performance Indicators

• 7.1.3 Takes action on identified risk to self, staff, clients/patients, public and the organization.
• 2.2.2 Delivers information and opinions in a respectful and professional manner
• 4.2.7 Identifies and implements a plan to address opportunities and challenges

Learning Objectives

• Assess the impact of disasters or public health emergencies on healthcare workers
• Select strategies to prepare for, respond to and recover from an emergency crisis
• Support staff and colleagues by boosting resilience against compassion fatigue and burnout

Moderator

• Kerry R. Clark, RDN, CD, FAND

Speakers

• Gisele Leger, MS, RDN, LDN, CNSC, FAND
• Colleen O'Malley, MA