In this episode of The ASHHRA Podcast, our hosts Bo and Luke had a thought-provoking conversation with the remarkable Jessica Johnson, the COO of the Charleston division of MUSC Health. The episode delved into the concept of the "anchor check" and its significance in managing stress and decision-making in both professional and personal life.

The conversation highlighted the importance of the anchor check as a tool for recentering and maintaining focus, ultimately preventing the personalization of work issues and promoting wellness. Jessica Johnson shared her experiences using anchor checks in crisis management, emphasizing making quick, well-intended decisions rooted in personal values.

The power of naming and positive thinking was also discussed, along with the significance of getting to know colleagues beyond work, fostering better communication and understanding. The hosts, Bo and Luke, emphasized the importance of authenticity and empathy in the workplace, advocating for building relationships and creating a more inclusive and understanding work environment.

This episode not only provided valuable insights into managing stress and making decisions but also highlighted the impact of understanding others' stories and developing empathy, particularly in the healthcare profession.

Stay tuned and stay connected for more insightful episodes and engaging discussions on The ASHHRA Podcast.

Support the show

We are thrilled to bring to you the latest episode of The ASHHRA Podcast, featuring the incredible Felicia Miller, Executive Vice President and Chief Talent Officer at Parkland Health in Texas.

In this episode, Felicia sits down with our hosts Bo and Luke to discuss the pivotal role of health equity for employees and the community. Felicia provides insights into the challenges faced and the impactful strategies being implemented at Parkland Health to ensure the well-being and access to healthcare for all.

Throughout the episode, you will gain valuable perspectives on the importance of addressing the health disparities within the workforce, the community, and the proactive steps being taken to improve the overall health and wellness for all staff members.

From addressing hiring practices to tackling the complexities of navigating the gray areas of HR, Felicia shares her wisdom and experiences, shedding light on the real-world challenges and solutions.

Tune in to the episode to hear more about Parkland Health, Felicia’s personal journey, and her dedication to creating a positive impact on the lives of individuals within the health system and the broader community.

Listen to the episode now to gain valuable insights from Felicia Miller and discover the impactful work being done at Parkland Health in Texas.

Thank you for being part of The ASHHRA Podcast community, and we hope you find this episode enlightening and inspiring.

Support the show

In this episode of The ASHHRA Podcast, we had the pleasure of hosting Clara Blitch, the Chief Human Resource Officer at Williamson Health in the Nashville area, as our special guest.

Clara brought invaluable insights and thoughtful perspectives on human-centered leadership. She discussed the importance of treating people as humans first and emphasized the power of building trust and empathy within the workplace. Clara's passion for creating a supportive and inclusive work environment was truly inspiring.

Additionally, Clara shared her experiences in modernizing the HR department at Williamson Health, providing valuable advice for CHROs and HR professionals navigating similar challenges. Her expertise and calm, professional approach in handling sensitive workplace issues offers a great deal of insight for fellow HR professionals.

In the "What Would You Do" segment, Clara demonstrated her poise and tact in addressing a sensitive workplace issue, underscoring the importance of open communication and a human-centric approach, even in the most challenging of circumstances.

To conclude her interview, Clara shared a powerful message, reminding HR professionals of the significance of self-care and the importance of building a support network to navigate the demands of their roles effectively.

We highly recommend tuning in to this episode to gain valuable takeaways from Clara's experience and expertise. Thank you, Clara, for sharing your knowledge and insights with us!

Stay tuned for more thought-provoking conversations and expert insights on the next episode of The ASHHRA Podcast.

Support the show

In this episode of The ASHHRA Podcast, we were honored to have Cindy Cronkhite, Executive Director of Human Resources at UNC Health Lenoir in North Carolina, as our special guest. Cindy shared valuable insights and experiences aimed at transforming the workplace and enhancing employee relations to improve patient care.

Here are some highlights from Cindy's appearance on the podcast:

1. Patient-Centered Approach: Cindy stressed the importance of ensuring that employees and leaders understand the impact of their roles on patient care. She emphasized the need for every policy and decision to be made with a focus on the positive impact on the patient experience.

2. Nuanced Feedback and Active Listening: Cindy discussed the importance of giving constructive feedback by focusing on specific behaviors and tying them back to the core values and mission of the organization. She highlighted the value of active listening and asking probing questions to guide employees in self-reflection and problem-solving.

3. Policy Renewal and Engagement: Cindy shared her experience in updating organization policies, emphasizing the need to involve employees in the process to make policies more engaging and relevant. She also discussed the importance of periodic policy reviews to ensure continued impact and effectiveness.

In addition to these insightful conversations, Cindy also addressed a quirky yet thought-provoking scenario in the "What would you do?" segment, providing a practical and empathetic perspective on workplace issues.

We would like to express our gratitude to Cindy for her valuable contributions to the podcast, and we hope her insights have brought you new ideas and perspectives to consider in your own workplace challenges.

Thank you for being part of the ASHHRA community and supporting our commitment to sharing meaningful and actionable content for HR professionals.

Support the show

We're excited to share the latest episode of The ASHHRA Podcast with you, featuring the inspiring John Petrov, CHRO at VCU Health. In this episode, John discusses his unique approach to HR, shares his insights on the importance of compensating and supporting the workforce, and even shares a crazy HR story. It's a conversation you won't want to miss!

Here's a brief summary of some of the highlights from the episode:

1. John Petrov's Award Recognition: Learn about the prestigious award John received from HRO Today and his journey in advocating for significant pay increases for the workforce at Guthrie Clinic.

2. Compensation and HR Leadership: Gain valuable insights into John's deep thoughts on compensation and his proactive approach to ensuring equitable pay within his team and across the organization.

3. The Importance of Relationship Building in HR: Discover John's approach to building trust and credibility with the c-suite and the value of developing meaningful relationships with the HR constituency.

4. The What Would You Do Segment: Dive into a thought-provoking scenario where John provides a well-thought-out response to a challenging HR issue, highlighting his expertise and problem-solving skills.

This episode is a testament to John's energy, authenticity, and commitment to taking care of his people. We invite you to tune in to the full episode to gain valuable insights and inspiration from John's journey in HR leadership.

Thank you for being a part of The ASHHRA Podcast community. We look forward to bringing you more inspiring conversations and valuable content in the future.

Support the show

On this episode of The ASHHRA Podcast, co-hosts Bo & Luke discussed workforce development and recruiting strategies with Kelly Hurt, VP of HR at McLeod Health in South Carolina. They tackled some tough scenarios and shared valuable insights. 

Here are 3 key takeaways from our discussion:

1.       Separate Recruitment and Workforce Development: Kelly Hurt, VP of HR at McLeod Health, emphasized the importance of having dedicated teams for recruitment and workforce development. By focusing on both current and future talent needs, organizations can build a strong pipeline and ensure a skilled workforce for the future.

 2.       Collaboration is Key: Kelly highlighted the need for collaboration across HR, marketing, and other departments to effectively implement workforce development initiatives. By working together, organizations can engage with schools, universities, and technical colleges, promoting career opportunities in healthcare and building relationships with prospective candidates.

 3.       The Saucy Scenario: We delved into a challenging scenario involving a personal relationship between a CEO and an executive assistant. Kelly navigated this complex situation, emphasizing the importance of maintaining professionalism, protecting employees from adverse actions, and considering alternative solutions to create a healthy work environment.

👉 Check out the full podcast episode to gain more insights and learn how to tackle these workforce challenges head-on. 

We'd love to hear your thoughts on these takeaways or any other topics you'd like to discuss. Feel free to reach out and let's continue the conversation! 

Support the show

We're excited to bring you the latest episode featuring the incredible Debbie Splinter, HR Director at Baylor Scott and White, Texas Spine and Joint Hospital. 

Here are the key takeaways from our conversation with Debbie:

1. Building Relationships and Creating a Positive Culture: Debbie emphasizes the importance of fostering strong connections and relationships within the organization. By prioritizing employee satisfaction and creating a positive culture, her hospital has achieved an impressive RN turnover rate of only 4%.

2. The Impact of Technology on Healthcare HR: We discuss how technology plays a crucial role in healthcare HR. Implementing new systems and staying ahead with the latest equipment can be challenging due to cost, but it also drives employee satisfaction and impacts turnover. Debbie shares her experiences managing the integration of new technology and its positive effects on staff satisfaction.

3. Navigating Unique HR Challenges: From face tattoos in the workplace to addressing inappropriate internet usage, we dive into real-life examples and discuss the importance of clear policies and effective communication. Debbie shares her insights and strategies for handling these situations with professionalism and fairness.

4. The Power of HR Certifications and Professional Development: Debbie's career journey is a testament to the value of HR certifications and ongoing education. She encourages HR professionals to seek certifications and join professional organizations like the American College of Health Care Executives. Finding a mentor from the c-suite can also be immensely valuable in advancing your career.

As always, we thank Debbie Splinter for sharing her expertise and valuable insights. This thought-provoking episode has given us a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in healthcare HR.

Lastly, we want to remind our listeners to stay tuned for an exciting event coming up in Fort Worth. Make sure to mark your calendars and make plans to attend. Stay tuned for more details in future newsletters and podcast episodes.

As always, thank you for being a part of the ASHHRA Podcast community. We appreciate your support and look forward to bringing you more valuable content in our upcoming episodes.

Support the show

We are excited to bring you another episode of The ASHHRA Podcast, and this time we have a special guest joining us - Gareth Holdstock, the Group HR Director at Acadia Healthcare. 

In this episode, Gareth shares his wealth of knowledge and experience in the healthcare industry, spanning over 20 years. He discusses his passion for creating a positive work environment and his focus on employee engagement and retention, particularly in the challenging field of behavioral health.

One topic that Gareth touches upon is the recruitment of healthcare professionals from other countries, specifically nursing. He sheds light on the process of recruiting nurses from the Philippines and India, highlighting their strong educational background and the challenges they may face when assimilating into rural markets.

Another key highlight of the episode is a discussion about the importance of having a playbook for HR professionals. Gareth shares his experience in implementing a playbook at Acadia Healthcare, which focuses on engagement and performance management. He emphasizes the need to start small and focus on a few key initiatives that can make a real impact.

We also explore a thought-provoking segment called "What Would You Do?" where Gareth offers his insights on handling a sensitive HR situation. If you're looking for practical advice on navigating complex employee relations scenarios, this segment is a must-listen.

As always, we encourage you to share your feedback, questions, and suggestions with us. Your input helps us curate content that is relevant and valuable to you.

Don't forget to mark your calendars for the upcoming ASHHRA Annual Conference in April, where we'll have an executive panel discussing "What Would They Do?" It's a session you won't want to miss.

 Thank you for being valued members of the ASHHRA community. We appreciate your support and participation.

Support the show

We recently had the pleasure of hosting Mary Jo Smith, the CHRO of Franciscan Alliance, on our latest episode of The ASHHRA Podcast.

In this episode, Mary Jo shares her experiences and insights on the importance of empathy in the workplace, particularly when it comes to leadership and employee development. She also delves into how her organization is embracing technology to drive efficiency and enhance the employee experience. Mary Jo's stories and perspectives are truly inspiring and offer valuable lessons for HR professionals in all industries.

During the podcast, Mary Jo discusses the challenges she's faced and how she has successfully navigated them, providing practical advice on how to handle difficult situations with grace and compassion. She emphasizes the need for leaders to lead by example and to always consider the well-being and needs of their employees.

In our new segment, “What Would You Do”, we explore a couple of thought-provoking scenarios that put Mary Jo's expertise to the test, discussing how she would handle situations involving employees struggling with alcoholism and the impact on reputation.

We highly recommend you give this episode a listen, as it offers valuable insights and actionable strategies for HR professionals like you. You can find it on our website, or on your favorite podcast platform. Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode.

Thank you for being a valuable member of the ASHHRA community. We hope this episode brings you fresh perspectives and inspiration in your HR journey.

Support the show

We are excited to bring you a special episode of The ASHHRA Podcast featuring an inspiring guest, Charla Garcia, the CHRO at Uvalde Memorial Hospital in Texas. Charla shares her incredible journey in the healthcare industry and how she has built a strong and motivated HR team.

During the episode, Charla discusses the unique opportunities and challenges in managing a small HR team in a midsize hospital. She shares insights on how they handle all HR functions in-house, from recruiting to payroll, and how they are implementing a business partner model for quicker employee issue resolution.

One of the standout features of Uvalde Memorial Hospital is their dedication to employee well-being. Charla reveals that healthcare is free for all employees and their families, and they go above and beyond to ensure their staff has access to necessary medications and wellness checks. The hospital's culture of community caring for community has resulted in outstanding patient satisfaction scores and a strong connection between employees and the community they serve.

Furthermore, Charla shares her pride in implementing a patient experience process that focuses on employee and patient feedback. Through this process, Uvalde Memorial Hospital has consistently ranked in the 99th percentile for employee satisfaction and achieved high scores in HCAP (Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems) surveys.

Overall, Charla's story showcases the power of a close-knit community and the impact it can have on the healthcare experience. Her dedication to her team, patients, and the community is truly remarkable.

Stay tuned for more engaging episodes and inspiring stories from The ASHHRA Podcast.

Support the show