Lessons from the Road

Hello from Chicago, IL dear readership! In a recent blog post on wastefulness, I told you all that I would be moving from Boise, ID to Chicago, IL for my job as a Recruiter with Impact Advisors. I’m pleased to announce that I made it safe and sound. However, like any journey or implementation for instance, there should be an examination of lessons learned. Henceforth, some lessons from the road . . .

Slow Down

I looked at my bank account today and wondered, “What was this $85 check?” Oh, yes, that was the speeding ticket I received about 15 miles before the Montana border. Here’s how the conversation went:

Officer: Do you know how fast you were going?

Me: Uh, 60?

Officer (Cranky Officer): I clocked you at 59. What is the speed limit?

Me: 55?

Officer (Really Cranky Officer): 50! It’s been 50 for 65 miles and still is all the way to the Montana border.

Me: How far is Montana?

I’d like to note that Idaho has a ridiculously slow speed limit and once you cross into Montana, the speed limit rises to 70. That’s a 20 miles per hour difference over the border. Really, Idaho? However, perhaps slowing down and paying attention to the signs would have been a good idea. I know our clinician friends do this often and combat those operations folks concerned with bed turnover and revenue. The first lesson, therefore, is slow down and watch the road.

Be Prepared for Storms

Even though it was the end of April, we ran into some wicked weather on the way. All through Idaho it rained and hailed and it snowed over the mountain passes in Montana. More rain in South Dakota. Fog in Minnesota, but we ended the trip with decent driving weather. Given I am a born and raised Westerner; I understand that even in the spring winter can rear its ugly head. Therefore my fiancé and I packed a safety kit the included items like jumper cables, glass cleaner, matches, newspaper, salt, a sleeping bag, flashlights and a Swiss army knife.

In our work and personal lives we should be prepared for contingencies. I just spoke with a favorite consultant of mine who is about to be let go from his project because they hospital does not have a contingency budget and underestimated the cost of their Epic implementation. In Healthcare IT we must be prepared for storms such as, “the interfaces are not working,” and, “our budget is constrained.” Lesson number two is watch out for storms.

Enjoy Yourself

It was a memorable trip and not all because of hurdles. We enjoyed ourselves and saw some great parts of the country. Check out my photo of Mount Rushmore! Even though it’s about an hour delay of forward I-90 progress, it’s well worth it. Don’t forget Wall Drug in Wall, South Dakota. The ice water is FREE!

We also enjoyed Madison, WI and walked around the capitol and campus of the University of Wisconsin. I love Madison and The Great Dane Brew Pub.

And of course we saw some spectacular crazies at rest stops. My favorite lesson definitely.

About the author

Cassie Sturdevant

Cassie Sturdevant is a Senior Recruiter for Impact Advisors, a healthcare IT strategic and implementation services consulting firm just named 2013 Best in KLAS for Overall Services. She specializes in humor and follow up.

2 Comments

  • Cassie – glad you made it to Chicago … just in time to enjoy those neighborhood fests – up in Andersonville, we have the midsummer fest this w/e

  • Thank you, Tim! It’s great to be back just in time for the festivals. I’m looking forward to my favorite . . . Greek Fest in Greektown.

    Enjoy Andersonville.

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