11 minute read
Finding a New Normal as Students, Educators, and Parents
The first weeks following the closing of RVU’s campuses—the result of the coronavirus pandemic—were marked by a flurry of email updates, troubleshooting internet connections, the transition from hands-on learning environments to digital platforms, and, for some, setting up a new office or study space amidst the perpetual pandemonium of children and pets. Students and employees share their stories of how these changes have impacted them both professionally and personally.
RVUCOM Adapts to Remote Learning and Social Distancing
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Though the recent social distancing guidelines have confined us to our homes, RVU students are coming together for virtual study sessions and fun activities. The SGA has begun hosting online games, trivia nights and volunteer opportunities, such as a mask-making initiative (the masks will be donated to veterans' homes, long-term care facilities, and other places of need). "We are also in the process of putting in an online study hall," said Paul Yang, OMS II, SGA President at RVU-SU.
At RVU-CO, the SGA is initiating an a letter-writing campaign: "We are [writing] to congratulate the Class of 2020 as part of their graduation celebration," said Zoe Roth, OMS II, SGA President at RVU-CO. The campaign will be an elective opportunity for students and is currently ongoing. Finally, the SGA is bringing students together for Zoom gatherings and encouraging clubs to host virtual events.
Adjusting to a remote-learning environment has proven to be a challenging transition, especially from a social standpoint. "It has been hard for me to adjust from a social setting to a more isolated one," said Nick Hora, OMS II. "I stay in touch with friends by using FaceTime and Zoom, which makes it much better." As for exploring the digital tools available to medical students, SD Hora says now is the time to fully learn how to use them. "I feel like [RVU] has done an excellent job of transferring over to online material, and I commend them for a having a plan and constantly keeping us posted."
A Third-Year student's perspective
For third- and fourth-year students, the transition to remote-learning has been more difficult, due in part to the cancellation of the hands-on training they were receiving through externships and the upheaval of meticulously organized plans.
In the early months of this year, Kristin Lipe, OMS III, was busy checking off the necessary items to successfully transition into her fourth year of medical school: scheduling boards, applying to programs, scheduling audition rotations, nailing down electives, incorporating gap weeks, looking for housing, and buying plane tickets—all with the goal of landing her dream residency, something she and her fellow classmates have worked hard for over many years. "It has been overwhelming having everything canceled or pushed back," said SD Lipe. "It has tested our patience and pliability."
Even while months, if not years, of planning are upended, upperclassmen are determined to help however they can. They view volunteerism during this time as both a calling and a learning experience. By learning and helping, "we could be somewhat prepared in the event that this were to happen again in our lifetimes," said SD Lipe. At the end of the day, she knows the Class of 2021 and all other students "will get through this hurdle the way we have already conquered life’s unique adversities—stronger, more malleable, and with more compassion."
PA Program: Online Training and Volunteer Opportunities
As coronavirus cases increased worldwide and RVU made the decision to close both campuses, one of the first challenges for the PA program to overcome was that of transitioning a highly interactive, hands-on curriculum into an online learning format. Faculty and staff quickly implemented several creative solutions including virtual standardized patient encounters where faculty role-play the patient and utilizing breakout rooms to conduct small group learning in real time. Cathy Ruff, MS, PA-C, Director of the PA Program, holds a regular "Dialogue with the Director" to provide updates and check in with both classes.
For students who were scheduled to start clinical rotations, they are now completing online training sessions in Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support, Pediatric Advanced Life Support, and Basic Life Support. Second-year PA students are also supplementing their education with online learning opportunities after having been pulled from their clinical rotations.
Through it all, "students have been flexible and adaptable with the new demands and different learning formats," said Cathy. "[They] have created group chats and shared documents and learning strategies to support one another in keeping track of what is due and by when." Students have also stayed connected through fun games and happy hours online.
The pandemic has brought with it a series of adjustments across all aspects of life. Students, faculty, and staff are adjusting to being at home and finding time to study or work while juggling family needs and other responsibilities. Faculty and staff check in daily with one another to provide updates and implement new learning plans; students are supplementing their education through volunteer opportunities, as well. "From setting up screening facilities to making calls, the COVID-19 pandemic has only strengthened student’s resolve and passion to be involved with healthcare and help as many patients as possible."
Woody the dog working with owner Stephanie Bradford, PAS 1
We Need to Talk About Our New Coworkers
by Kelli Petersen, MBA, Marketing Manager
Many of us began working from home on March 16th, 2020 (exactly 100 years ago today). For many parents, that was the same day our children began staying home, as well. "I can handle this," we thought optimistically on that first day. "I can work while taking care of a small child/children." By the next day, dread had settled into our stomachs. No, it turned out, we could not handle this.
In the time since RVUers moved to the privacy of their homes, it has become clear who is able to embrace the change and who is struggling. On a Zoom call of several people, you will notice which ones are the parents: they’re the ones on mute out of courtesy for the others. They’re the ones who reply with distracted half-answers or offer screaming as their background ambiance.
Yet it’s not just work (and our co-workers’ eardrums) that is being affected. Speaking for myself, I can only half-work and half-care for my one-year-old—so I’m not particularly effective at either for the moment. The usually enjoyable activity of family-time has been replaced with a frustrating helplessness at working to meet a deadline while keeping the kids mostly safe and minimally entertained.
Along with RVU switching to a remote environment, so too have other schools. Three-year-old Daisy, daughter of Melissa Davidson, Office of Testing Coordinator, is unable to attend preschool which "has been so effective in helping her gain social skills and independence" as a child with special needs. Parents with older children have had to add homeschooling to their day-jobs, as well: "I'm an educator but I didn't expect to be teaching elementary, middle school, and adults all at the same time," says Darcy Solanyk, MS, PA-C, Associate Professor of PA Studies. "It's tested my resiliency and some days I've failed. The good news is that we're all transitioning to a 'new norm' and people have shown one another a lot of grace which has made adapting feasible."
In a pandemic, the regular 8-to-5 schedule flies out the window. Most parents cannot set aside childcare for a solid day of work. Instead, they must alternate care with their partners, wait for their partners to come home from work, or they may be single parents altogether. Many must work at night and over the weekend—yet the workday won't simply wait for them. Oftentimes, I answer emails and have meetings during the day while juggling the baby—then begin my actual work at 5pm. While feeding the baby in the middle of the night, I respond to emails; at times, coworkers reply immediately, clearly also putting in their work-hours at 2am. It is nonstop; it is exhausting.
"I hope you are hanging in there. I am not—I am drowning," says Francina Towne, PhD, Program Director for MSBS. "All day, every day, I’m balancing two young kids and a day full of meetings and work. The only time to get work done is in the evenings, but by then, I’m wiped out. I am not a stay-at-home-parent but now I must be one—while still working a full-time job. There is a reason we do one or the other: it's not possible to do both!"
Nevertheless, we can’t deny the positives. First, we are employed at a company that we love, doing jobs that we enjoy. At a time when millions (millions!) are now unemployed, this has not escaped our notice and we are extremely grateful for the stability. Second, we are able to spend extra time with our children which, frustrating as it may be at times, is something we also deeply treasure. "I get to see Daisy [more] and be a part of her day," says Melissa. "I can see how she is growing and learning. I love it."
Perhaps the way to cope ultimately lies in embracing (and reminding ourselves of) that gratitude. "I am really thankful to have a job that I love," continues Dr. Towne. "I'm trying to enjoy the small moments with my sweet kiddos, the entertaining interruptions of my Zoom calls, and the quick access to endless cups of homemade coffee."
Developing a Relationship with the Incoming MSBS Class
by Courtney Arndt, Administrative Assistant for MSBS Program
As most of us are feeling lonely and anxious, waiting for the pandemic to subside, our incoming students are also feeling the same anxieties—so we wanted to reach out to them. We knew they had questions: Will we start the school year in person or online? Should we move as soon as we can or stay at home with family? What will RVU even look like by the fall?
To show our RVU Core Values of collegiality and compassion, the MSBS team has gathered together to create ways of interrupting those looping worries. We created a facesheet that includes a short story about each incoming student and, with their permission, their email address so students can begin corresponding. The information provided can also help students begin to recognize similar and exciting things about each other, allowing them to feel connected and close even though they may be miles apart.
We have also started monthly "get-to-know-each-other" Zoom meetings with incoming students for both campuses, alumni, faculty, and staff to ask and answer questions, offer advice on how to thrive in the program, share their favorite ice cream flavors, and get to know each other.
While not the same as being in class, the MSBS Program is working hard to utilize the technology in order to make current and future students feel recognized and accepted. "[We] truly miss our day-to-day, in-person interactions with our students," said Francina Towne, PhD, Director of the MSBS Program. "But the students are graciously diving in and embracing our virtual reality."
RVU Invests in Professional Development...and Other EVP Updates
At the recommendation of the EVP team, the Human Resources Department has provided employees with LinkedIn Learning. With over 15,000+ courses, the on-demand learning platform teaches employees new skills in order to advance in their careers. The aim of this new initiative is to build a professional development culture at RVU, in which employees and managers work together to enhance and support the employees’ learning opportunities. This initiative has become particularly timely during the pandemic, as employees—particularly those whose jobs are not as conducive to working remotely—are encouraged to use this time to develop various skills.
"While this initiative is remote-enabled, development is further enhanced through on-the-job learning by taking on projects and assignments," said Jerry Armstrong, Vice President of Human Resources. "We encourage [employees] to learn new skills to enhance the contributions within your current position as you think about and consider future career options."
On the communications side, the Marketing Department has launched the Around the RVU Campfire newsletter, which showcases top social media posts, recent posts on the RVU Blog, and any media coverage. To improve communications between the two campuses, Julie K. Rosenthal, MS, Vice President of Enrollment Management and External Relations, has launched the Unite & Ignite Newsletter, which highlights projects across both campuses, collaborations between departments, and employee accomplishments and work anniversaries.
