By: Russ Peal, CPRP-DEI
Anyone that knows me, knows that I’m an avid cruiser. In fact, I usually take 2-3 cruises a year. After over 25 voyages – and I thought I saw everything – I witnessed my first emergency rescue at sea – and it was literally 200 yards outside of my balcony. On a recent cruise, we were sailing from Florida to Cozumel, Mexico when at about 11:30am the captain made an announcement that he verified a “vessel in distress” and that we were turning around to rescue the sailor. He proceeded to make the smoothest U-turn I’ve ever seen and within 30 minutes we could see the distressed vessel and a single occupant. The winds were rough, and the waves were even rougher, actually tossing his Catamaran like a doll and it looked like it could capsize at any moment. The first attempt to lower the Lifeboat failed as the waves only pushed it against the ship, so it was raised and secured. After a while the sailor dropped a smaller boat from the Catamaran and got into it with two paddles. The waves did not let up and were now pushing the Catamaran closer to the Ship. At this point the captain – like a scene out of a James Bond movie – spun the ship around parallel to the waves to avoid contact with the Catamaran. We were 40 miles off the coast of Havana, Cuba and I really expected to hear a US Coast Guard helicopter to finish the job. Suddenly, a different Lifeboat came from around the front of the ship and darted straight to the sailor, they pulled him in and darted him back to the ship – navigating the waves like they’d done this a few times before. We on the ship screamed and cheered like the winning touchdown was scored – it was unbelievable!
Since we were so close to Cuba, most thought the sailor was a Cuban national making his way to the US. However, we later learned that the experienced sailor was a US Citizen, in his 70s, a Florida resident, and had been at sea since Thanksgiving. He had been without his two Sails and engine power for five days and it was only after shooting his Flare gun that he caught the attention of the ship. Once aboard, he received medical attention, a hot meal, and quarters to rest. Upon arrival at Cozumel, he was released to the Mexican authorities and made his way back to Florida.
When I think of my decades of experience as a physician recruiter, I can recall times – even recently – when I felt like that sailor. Whether its organizational change, managing a complex search, or accommodating a demanding stakeholder or candidate, I’ve felt like my primary sails and engine were no longer working and I needed a ‘rescue’. When it comes to the sailor – and you and me – one thing’s for sure, he knew how to get the help he needed. As an AAPPR member, you have some essential resources that get you back to center – and right at your fingertips!
AAPPR Chat
For me, this resource is me shooting my flare gun in the air – my distress call. I send my question or issue to my colleagues, and, in short order, someone takes notice, stops what they’re doing, and give me the real time feedback, information, or recommendation that brings me to safety. AAPPR Chat is a wealth of insight, support, and generous professional assistance – it’s the digital version of phoning a friend.
Academy
I’ve always believed that our profession/role is strategically aligned with the C-Suite and we’re most valuable when armed with insight and information to that audience. ACADEMY is where I can go for that info! From topical and on-demand Webinars and Resource Library to the AAPPR Benchmarking Survey, there’s a treasure trove of tools that informs and empowers my role – particularly when the organizational waters feel a bit rough for me.
Virtual Roundtables
These monthly sessions, offer timely discussion around topics surrounding our profession along with exploring new and innovative ways for recruitment. Virtual Roundtables, free to members, gives space for us to work together and establish new practices and tactics to meet the needs of our healthcare organizations.
Navigating rough and challenging waters, though uncomfortable, are a normal part of business. However, like that experienced sailor, the attention, and solutions available to you are just one ‘flare’ away. Tap into AAPPR member resources and keep sailing!