Christopher Izquierdo’s Post

“Feedback is a gift, even when it’s hard to unwrap” Jennifer Collins, MN-AL RN I just had the most amazing chat with Jenn. She was telling me of all the amazing work they have been doing with the nursing staff at Bay Area Hospital over the last two years since I met her — building human relationship, increasing relational equity and injecting joy and laughter into their work and culture. When we met two years ago, everything was burning. She had just taken the CNO position and the longest standing nurse manager on her new staff had only been there a year, most nursing managers had been there less than 6 months. Back then, in 2022, the nursing staff turnover was at 41.5% (I won’t tell you some of the other stats and figures she mentioned, as I think they might be confidential, but the trend is in the right direction for all of them.) I will say that now, this year, the nursing turnover is 12.5 % — They have gamified awareness around cutting costs, — they’ve broken down silos within the hospital so different units centralise their supply purchasing, getting better prices, (something no one had thought of doing before) — They have a “30 second dance party” button that they hit any time there is good news (remember the old big red “that was easy” button? Well this one plays music for half a minute, any everyone dances.) I have not heard a story like hers in healthcare. The rest of the sector is still burning, hemoraging money year-on-year, but these guys are another story! I hardly know Jenn and yet I am so so proud of her! Changing a culture with no resources other than bootstrapping the life giving power of authentic human connection — accomplishing the shift with steadfast will and determination to turn something around. Her relentless dedication to move towards health and flourishing — where all the staff are valued — is such a model of what is possible when leaders do the real work of leading. Someone needs to publish this story. The quote I started with is just one of many profound things she mentioned in the shift towards a healthy culture where staff don’t quit, and all variables improve. Culture really is a powerful thing. I’m genuinely surprised that more organisations don’t take it seriously enough. Well done Jenn, you and your team are a true inspiration to me.

I have a Portfolio project in my nursing class, Organizational Behavior in Healt

Congratulations to Sinai Health’s Dr. Lianne Jeffs, Research and Innovation Lead and Scholar in Residence, and Jane Merkley, Executive Vice President, Chief Nurse Executive & Chief Operating Officer and Sarabeth Silver, Clinical Nurse Specialist, on receiving funding from CIHR for their project Examining and Exploring the Implementation and Impact of a Leadership Intervention on Work Life and Fundamental Care Delivery. Quality gaps continue to exist in delivering fundamental care and leadership interventions aimed at embedding fundamental care into practice remains under-researched. Their project aims to address this gap by evaluating the impact of an evidence informed, co-designed fundamental care leadership intervention as a key strategy to strengthen the nursing profession and optimize quality fundamental care. https://bit.ly/3zA5093

#WisdomWednesday for my #NursingLeaders Happy Wisdom Wednesday to all the nurturing minds in our nursing community! Today, let us ponder on the profound essence of wisdom and its impact on effective leadership in healthcare. As nursing leaders, we stand at the forefront of care, compassion, and commitment. We are the guiding lights in times of uncertainty, the voices of reason in moments of chaos, and the pillars of strength when courage wavers. Let wisdom be our compass, leading us through the intricate web of challenges and triumphs that define our noble profession. With each decision we make, may we pause to listen to the whispers of experience and the echoes of knowledge that reside within us. In the pursuit of wisdom, let us seek not only answers but also the questions that shape our understanding. Let us embrace the uncertainty that comes with growth and the vulnerability that emerges from introspection. Dear nursing leaders, stand tall in your wisdom. Let your actions reflect the depth of your insights, and your words carry the weight of your discernment. Together, let us weave a tapestry of wisdom that inspires, empowers, and transforms not only our practice but also the lives we touch. May this Wisdom Wednesday be a reminder of the extraordinary potential that lies within each of us to lead with grace, humility, and above all, wisdom. Be Well and Live! ~In Nursing Excellence, Meedie

ICYMI: Our client Laudio recently released their inaugural report with the American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL), “Quantifying the Impact of Nurse Managers.” Check out Becker's Healthcare's article on 5 findings from the report: https://bit.ly/3Q2z6Y5 Fierce Healthcare also released an article on the report on how limiting nurse managers' head counts trims turnover and drives savings: https://bit.ly/3JeZnPl MedCity News covered the report in their article on why so many nurses are fleeing healthcare — and how hospitals can address the problem: https://bit.ly/4auHsA3 And to round out the highlights of coverage, the American Hospital Association featured the report in a recent article as well: https://bit.ly/3W0Fu5Z To read more of this groundbreaking report on the measurable impact that nurse leaders wield within our health systems, visit the link below! https://bit.ly/3PPxj8R

In an increasingly complex healthcare environment, it is critical nursing leaders continue to build their capacities in both leader and follower roles and foster empowering work environments where problems are addressed inclusively, with boundless innovation. Nurse leaders at every level, regardless of position, are powerful change agents who have a responsibility to engage in effective leader and follower practices.  The RNAO Leading Change Tool Kit is an example of a resource nurse leaders can access to increase their capacity to facilitate change. The RNAO Leading Change Tool Kit highlights the responsibility nursing leaders have to continue to build their capacities in collaboration and engagement with those with lived and living experience to support meaningful and effective change processes.   https://lnkd.in/ggfHP88D

I have a Portfolio project in my nursing class, Organizational Behavior in Healt

Cincinnati-based UC Health's nurse-led site leadership model, one year in, demonstrates the power of nurse leadership in healthcare operations. By empowering nurses to take the helm, the health system has seen improvements in patient care coordination, staff satisfaction, and overall efficiency. This initiative highlights the value of having experienced, on-the-ground leaders making strategic decisions. **Call to Action:** Hospitals should continue to elevate nurse leaders to leadership roles, harnessing their expertise to drive better outcomes for patients and teams alike. https://lnkd.in/gueC5ZnT)

Leading with clarity, care and impact starts with connection. 🫂 As nurses, how we communicate sets the tone. Here’s how to lead communicatively:⁣ ✔️ Express expectations clearly so your team understands the path ahead and what matters most. ✔️ Lead by listening first and speaking thoughtfully. Listen first with presence and sincerity so each person feels heard. ✔️ Then speak to uplift and inspire. ✔️ Use different approaches for different people - introverts, extroverts, analytical types. Meet your nurses where they are. When communication flows genuinely two ways, your team will feel valued, motivated and focused. What communication strategies work well on your nursing team? Share your wisdom below! #LeadWithPurpose #TeamDynamics #LeadershipMatters https://lnkd.in/g2fRxJEz

As healthcare leaders, we must prioritize fostering a supportive atmosphere for our nursing staff. Here are crucial elements: • Foster teamwork through collaboration and team-building activities • Implement meaningful recognition and rewards programs • Cultivate authentic, empathetic leadership • Encourage open communication strategies • Design nurse-friendly physical workspaces • Prioritize work-life balance with flexible scheduling • Develop robust career advancement pathways • Nurture mentorship programs • Promote interdisciplinary collaboration • Integrate technology thoughtfully to streamline workflows By focusing on these areas, we can reduce burnout, improve morale, and ultimately enhance patient care. What strategies have you found effective in creating a positive nursing environment? Share your thoughts below! #NursingLeadership #HealthcareWorkplace #EmployeeWellbeing