Nurturing Talent and Ensuring Well-Being: A Holistic Approach to Healthcare Leadership

The journey to leadership at Carson Tahoe Health has been marked by several key milestones. The most significant of these is the completion of my educational pursuits, including a doctorate, while balancing the demands of a full-time executive role and parenting. This accomplishment has instilled in me the resilience and adaptability necessary for high-level leadership. Other notable achievements include publishing an article with SHRM, receiving the 2023 Leadership Award from ASHHRA, and being recognized as a Facebook Top Creator for my career-focused content, "The Office Psychologist." These milestones have solidified my role as an advocate and asset in both my personal and professional life, preparing me to ensure a safe and comfortable work environment for all.

Addressing Challenges in Human Resources and Patient Care

Recruitment and retention are pressing national concerns in the healthcare industry. At Carson Tahoe Health, we tackle these challenges by implementing a robust professional development program, psychological safety training for leaders, enhanced recognition methodologies, and extensive committees and plans to ensure employee safety. These initiatives are part of our comprehensive strategy to create a supportive and thriving work environment.

Our professional development program is pivotal in identifying and nurturing high-potential candidates. This program aligns with career growth within the organization and supports individuals eager to develop themselves, our organization, and our community. In my role, I occasionally lead non-traditional HR and operational efforts, aiming to pay it forward by helping others dedicated to growth achieve the same opportunities.

Ensuring Caregivers' Health, Safety, and Comfort

Our reporting systems provide a non-punitive way for individuals to voice their concerns. We utilize the collected data to track, trend, and proactively address process improvement opportunities, including adding educational resources to equip our caregivers with the tools they need to perform their jobs safely and efficiently. 

As the executive sponsor for our Workplace Violence Prevention Committee, I ensure our team stays ahead of potential issues. We also heavily rely on feedback from employee engagement surveys to provide the resources necessary for a healthy work-life balance and personal well-being.

Leadership development in healthcare requires a comprehensive understanding of the business, management responsibilities, and the integration of leadership development components aligned with the professional growth of others. The end goal is to ensure that all educational opportunities are actionable, making them more than just singular learning events. Effective leadership in healthcare also demands a thorough connection to the organization's mission, vision, and values.

Advice for Career Advancement

For peers seeking to advance their careers in the healthcare industry, my advice is to develop thick skin. Healthcare leadership involves experiencing the highest highs and the lowest lows for both the people and the organization. It's crucial to have a clear vision and articulate it well. Remember, success is a team effort. Acknowledge when you don’t know something and ask for help. Continuous learning and growth are vital.

During my tenure at Carson Tahoe Health, I've facilitated training for safety champion front-line staff on psychological safety, created standard work for our daily huddle system, partnered with the employee events committee to upgrade processes for employee recognition, and sent weekly leadership and HR tips. Recently, I formed the "One Team" committee, representing all aspects of our diverse workforce to destigmatize issues and create support and awareness for everyone. These initiatives reflect my commitment to fostering a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for all caregivers, ensuring we collectively thrive and excel in our mission to enhance the health and well-being of the communities we serve.