The Handoff

In this episode of The Handoff, Dr. Joni Watson sits down with Dr. Jennifer Shull, the Chief Nursing Executive at Kettering Health, to explore workforce development, flexibility, and finding joy in nursing. Dr. Shull shares her strategies for engaging frontline nurses, creating a supportive work environment, and challenging traditional paradigms in healthcare. Listen in to learn how Dr. Shull fosters an inclusive approach to leadership, addresses the unique needs of today’s nursing workforce, and innovates care models to support professional growth. 

Dr. Joni Watson sits down with Dr. Darius Love, Assistant Vice President of Workforce Optimization and Redesign at Orlando Health, to explore the groundbreaking world of virtual nursing. Dr. Love shares his visionary approach to healthcare delivery, highlighting how virtual care models serve as an extension of in-person teams, allowing nurses to focus more on high-touch aspects of patient care. He delves into the strategies for overcoming resistance to change, the crucial role of nursing informatics in streamlining workflows, and the impact of positive leadership on advancing the future of healthcare. Join us as we discuss how moments matter, the power of virtual teams, and why adaptive leadership is key in this new era of nursing.

Dr. Joni Watson sits down with clinical executive Patches Seeley to explore the impact of professional transitions on nurse leaders and how to break the cycle of shame often associated with career setbacks. Drawing on over 20 years of experience in healthcare leadership, Patches shares insights on the evolving role of technology, including generative AI, in nursing. The discussion dives into how AI can democratize healthcare, optimize workforce management, and empower nurse leaders to thrive in times of change. Tune in for a thoughtful conversation on navigating transitions, fostering community, and embracing new opportunities in healthcare.  

In this episode of The Handoff, Dr. Joni Watson welcomes Dr. Amy Wilson, Chief Nurse Executive at SSM Health, to explore the future of nursing leadership within complex adaptive systems. Dr. Wilson shares her insights on workforce redesign, decreasing burnout, and the strategic integration of technology to enhance nurse autonomy and reduce administrative burden. Together, they discuss how SSM Health is leading the way with dynamic workforce models, innovative technology solutions, and robust nursing pipelines, all aimed at improving patient care and nursing leadership in a rapidly evolving healthcare environment.

Dr. Joni Watson sits down with Dr. April Tinsley, the National Vice President of Clinical Performance at Kaiser Permanente, to explore the critical role of nurse leaders in empowering nurses to work at the top of their licenses. With over 25 years of experience in healthcare leadership, Dr. Tinsley shares her journey from bedside nursing to executive leadership, offering valuable perspectives on how to optimize clinical operations, enhance patient care, and foster a supportive environment for nursing professionals.

Dr. Tinsley discusses the importance of moving beyond transactional tasks, encouraging nurse leaders to challenge traditional practices and think creatively about staffing and work environments. She emphasizes the need for nurses to fully utilize their training and expertise, providing actionable insights on how to elevate the role of professional nursing within healthcare teams.

Dr. Tinsley encourages nurse leaders to lead with purpose, create a culture of collaboration, and ensure that nurses are equipped with the resources they need to deliver the highest quality care.

Dr. Joni Watson sits down with Dr. Janice Walker, Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer for the Southeast Region of Advocate Health. Together, they explore the critical role of nurse leaders in healthcare decision-making, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that nurses have a voice at every level. Dr. Walker shares her wealth of experience from top healthcare institutions, offering practical steps for involving nurses in processes that impact patient safety, workforce engagement, and nursing quality. Discover how nurses can effectively participate in healthcare leadership and the innovative strategies that are shaping the future of the profession.

Dr. Joni Watson speaks with Joe Squire, the Director of Analytics and Data Science at UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute. Joe shares his journey from aspiring sound engineer to nursing and eventually to a career in data science. He discusses how he uses data analytics to improve healthcare outcomes, including significantly reducing cardiac surgery mortality rates. Joe also opens up about his personal experiences with burnout and offers advice for healthcare professionals facing similar challenges. Additionally, they explore the role of AI in healthcare and how nurses can leverage data to enhance patient care. Joe’s insights and passion for data-driven solutions are both inspiring and educational for nurse leaders and healthcare professionals.

In this season finale of The Handoff, Dr. Joni Watson sits down with Dr. Michael Jones, a regional director at Common Spirit Health and a leader in clinical informatics. With a rich background in nursing and health administration, Dr. Jones shares his strategies for managing change, building resilient teams, and leveraging data to improve patient outcomes. From preventing burnout in a 24/7 healthcare environment to mastering stakeholder engagement, Dr. Jones provides invaluable insights into the future of healthcare leadership. Listen in for a compelling discussion on the dynamic intersection of nursing, technology, and business.

Dr. Joni Watson welcomes Johnna Smith, the Chief Nurse Executive at Southern Illinois Healthcare St. Joseph Memorial Hospital. With a deep commitment to patient-centered care and operational excellence, Johnna has been a transformative leader in the healthcare sector. The discussion delves into how her organization fosters a culture of innovation, particularly through the lens of nursing and healthcare workforce stabilization. Johnna shares her strategies for engaging and developing the workforce through creative and inclusive idea generation and multidisciplinary teamwork. This episode provides a comprehensive look at practical approaches to workforce challenges, leadership in nursing, and fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment.

Dr. Joni Watson speaks with Ann Louise Puopolo, a venerated safety professional and former VP of enterprise patient safety at CVS Health. Anne Louise shares her extensive experience in patient safety, emphasizing the symbiotic relationship between quality healthcare outcomes and patient safety. She explores the crucial roles of data analysis, risk management, and creating a culture of transparency and accountability. Insights into medical malpractice and the importance of peer support programs are discussed, alongside strategies for engaging front-line staff in workflow design. Anne Louise also addresses the ongoing challenges in healthcare, such as workplace violence and the imperative of supporting healthcare workers.