Fracking camp: An immersion program for nurses on the health impacts of natural gas extraction

Human health is being directly affected by US energy policies.   While nurses are caring for patients and communities with a range of energy production-related health impacts, there is a need to exercise nursing leadership and support sound energy policies that considers human health a priority.  In an effort to develop nursing leadership, a 3-day “fracking camp” was organized for nurses in California to 1) understand what fracking is and its associated ecological and human health threats, 2) develop nursing messages regarding fracking and an associated media strategy, and 3) cultivate nursing advocacy skills to be used locally and statewide.   Nurses were recruited from a range of practice settings, for example public health, academia, hospital, and school-based nurses.  On the third day of  “camp” nurses traveled to Sacramento and met with individual legislators and regulators to discuss their human health concerns regarding fracking.   At the end of the program participants drafted a workplan for follow-up activities and a method of continued communication.   This program was intended to create a cadre of nursing leaders and spokespeople who could be called upon for expert testimony, community education programs, and expanded nursing education activities.  While this program focused on fracking, it was contextualized in the larger issues of energy policy and climate change.   Attendees evaluated the “camp” and its impact on their nursing practice, education, and policy/advocacy efforts.  A description of the camp content and interactive activities will be presented, as well as the attendees’ evaluation.