Issue link: https://beckershealthcare.uberflip.com/i/645291
12 | Impact Cost and Quality with Workforce Strategies M any hospital and health system executives are in agreement that their role is to serve people, workers and patients alike. For healthcare providers, producing positive outcomes for patients is of the utmost importance and it is increasingly documented that the satisfaction of those patients is associated with workforce matters, such as staffing levels and nurse satisfaction. Three healthcare industry executives — Wendie Carlson, vice president of human resources at West Tennessee Healthcare in Jackson; Cyndy Dunlap, RN, CNO of Baylor Scott & White Health Central Texas in Waco; and Alex Wells, CFO of El Centro (Calif.) Regional Medical Center — shared how they tackle and leverage workforce management and staffing to produce the best possible outcomes. Note: Interviews have been edited for length and clarity. Question: What are some of the biggest issues hospitals/health systems face regarding workforce management and staffing? Wendie Carlson: Attracting and retaining experienced nurses remains a critical challenge. Retention issues are most significant in the first three years of employment. The younger generations are focused on quality of life and don't want to work evenings, holidays and weekends. Mandatory overtime is often a deal-breaker. Additionally, they are looking for more rapid career progression, development opportunities and upward mobility than their baby-boomer counterparts did. Aligning your workforce strategy with patient outcomes By Shannon Barnet Cyndy Dunlap RN, CNO at Baylor Scott & White Health Central Texas Wendie Carlson Vice President of Human Resources at West Tennessee Healthcare Alex Wells CFO at El Centro Regional Medical Center " " The fact that healthcare is an industry that lacks change agility is a significant challenge considering how rapidly the environment changes.