First Schwartz Rounds Success! A Time for Collective Healing

We’d like to extend a heartfelt thanks to the 180+ participants (ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHTY) across sites who joined us as active participants in the first Schwartz Rounds “The Great Resignation: Why I Am Still Here” on November 28th.

Panelists Dr. Mimi Israel, Dr. Ernesto Schiffrin, and Isabelle Caron (RN) shared their personal stories of being healthcare providers and leaders during the pandemic. Connection, Community, and a “Calling” (some positive C-words) were a few common themes. What followed was a rich and healing exchange among colleagues.

Some comments highlighted that there is still much work to be done to challenge the culture of perfectionism and martyrdom

• “We are not allowed to say no, even if we know we are in over our heads…”
• “We are viewed as weak/ineffective, and this will have lasting negative impacts on our career”
• “We press on, without acknowledgment and often without thanks, no matter what the personal mental health risks.”

It is incumbent upon all of us to normalize saying no, show appreciation and respect for our colleagues, and lean on each other for help.

Feedback and comments from the post-rounds survey revealed that:

• Most agreed that attending Schwartz Rounds makes them feel like the organization cares about their wellbeing; that attending Schwartz Rounds helped them feel more connected to colleagues; that these rounds provided an opportunity to reflect/reconnect with sense of purpose; and that they felt supported in the challenges they face.
• A minority were unsure (“neutral”) about how this experience may help. Some felt that it was not long enough.