9 MARCH 2025At the same time, we must recognize that long-term care facilities are under considerable strain as well. They are grappling with staffing issues much like we are, which extend across all industries. The shortage of qualified personnel to care for their patients mirrors acute care challenges. This overarching staffing crisis is a systemic problem that we must collectively address.WHAT ARE THE LATEST PROJECTS ON WHICH YOU ARE WORKING IN YOUR CURRENT ORGANIZATION? WHAT ARE SOME OF THE TECHNOLOGIES YOU ARE USING TO ENSURE ITS SUCCESS?Currently, one of our most exciting initiatives is the pilot of a virtual immersion program at one of our sites. This program, which we hope to roll out system-wide, could be particularly beneficial in our medical-surgical areas where we experience acute staffing shortages.New graduates these days tend to gravitate toward specialty areas like the ER, critical care, and labor and delivery. Unfortunately, med-surg nursing seems to be less popular. While it is not completely bereft of interest, it is safe to say it is less popular among the new breed of nurses. To counter this, we are introducing a virtual nurse who can assist with assessments, act as a resource for on-site nurses, and facilitate discharge planning. This innovative approach has me quite excited.I have always advocated for integrating technology into our healthcare practices. Whether it is nursing staff or any other staff member, any tool or technique that aids in better patient care is something I wholeheartedly endorse. I believe in leveraging our electronic medical records, our equipment's data integration capabilities, and our communication tools, like our iPhones and the mobile heartbeat program. When presented with a chance to test an upcoming tech solution, I am typically one of the first to step up.It is crucial to capitalize on technology, especially given the increasingly difficult task of sourcing labor across all sectors, healthcare included. After all, we are in the business of human care, and we must have all the necessary tools at our disposal to continue providing safe and effective care. I view technology as an ally in this endeavor, and I am always eager to explore its full potential.WHAT TECHNOLOGICAL TRENDS DO YOU LOOK FORWARD TO THAT WILL CHANGE THE FUTURE OF THE LANDSCAPE?I genuinely love every aspect of my work, especially the innovative solutions we employ to deliver care more effectively. One such innovation that excites me immensely is our Telesitter program. Using a camera in the patient's room, we can communicate with and redirect patients who might inadvertently interfere with their drains and tubes. This tool has been instrumental in preventing falls and associated injuries, which is a significant win for patient safety.Again, I would like to emphasize my excitement about the virtual nurse initiative. I am also extremely enthusiastic about our telehealth services, especially regarding psychiatry. We have been piloting this for about a year in our emergency department, and the results have been so positive that we are making it a permanent feature. This has notably improved our length of stay metrics for psychiatric patients, aiding us provide necessary resources and care for our mental health population.And then there are the various systems that integrate seamlessly with our electronic medical record, which I love. These integrations significantly reduce human error. For instance, the ability to scan a patient's arm band and have the information automatically populate into the electronic medical record is a game changer. It enhances efficiency and patient safety.Honestly, all these technological advancements in healthcare are thrilling. They streamline processes and reduce errors as well as help us provide better, safer care. It is a blessing to witness and be a part of this technological evolution in healthcare.AS AN ENDING NOTE, WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE FOR OTHER SENIOR LEADERS AND CXOS WORKING IN THE INDUSTRY?I cannot stress enough the importance of always keeping in mind our humanity or the human touch, especially in patient care. We are humans caring for other humans in a profession deeply rooted in empathy and compassion. In times of unprecedented challenges like what we are experiencing now, we must strive to support our teams and adapt to evolving situations.No one could have foreseen the extent to which our healthcare system would be regulated, influenced by cost and length of stay considerations, and bound by patient criteria. The world of healthcare has transformed dramatically. Yet amid all these changes, it is crucial to keep sight of the human element, reminding ourselves that we are human beings serving in a human-centered profession. WE ARE HUMANS CARING FOR OTHER HUMANS IN A PROFESSION DEEPLY ROOTED IN EMPATHY AND COMPASSION. IN TIMES OF UNPRECEDENTED CHALLENGES LIKE WE ARE EXPERIENCING NOW, WE MUST STRIVE TO SUPPORT OUR TEAMS AND ADAPT TO NEW SITUATIONS
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