In a recent conversation with Jacob Hutcherson, Jessica Swain shared her thoughts on what makes an ideal team in the field of Infection Prevention. Drawing on her experience as a System Director at Dartmouth Health, Jessica emphasized the importance of diversity—not only in terms of backgrounds but also in educational experiences. Her approach to building a strong team is rooted in the belief that different perspectives foster innovation and lead to more effective outcomes.
Jessica explained that having a mix of professionals, both nurses and non-nurses, is key to creating a team with a well-rounded skill set. The varied experiences and knowledge that these different professionals bring to the table help to broaden the team’s perspective. Nurses offer invaluable clinical insights, while non-nurses can provide fresh viewpoints on patient safety and infection control. This balance allows for a more comprehensive approach to solving complex issues in Infection Prevention.
In addition to clinical diversity, Jessica also values diversity in education. On her team, members come from a range of academic backgrounds, including master’s degrees in public health, education, and business. This variety of higher-level education helps shape how the team approaches problems and develops solutions. It encourages the kind of out-of-the-box thinking that leads to meaningful improvements and ensures the team isn’t limited by a single way of thinking.
For Jessica, the key to building an innovative and effective team lies in ensuring that everyone brings something different to the table. She believes that when team members come from diverse backgrounds, it prevents stagnation and promotes continuous improvement in how the work is done. This diversity of thought, experience, and education is what drives innovation in Infection Prevention and ultimately contributes to better patient outcomes.
As her team continues to grow and evolve, Jessica remains committed to fostering a culture of collaboration and openness. She knows that embracing diversity in all its forms not only makes her team stronger but also enhances the overall quality of care they provide. Her approach to team building serves as an excellent model for other leaders in the healthcare industry who are looking to create dynamic and effective teams.