The Handoff

In this episode of The Handoff, Dr. Brian Weirich, Chief Nursing Innovation Officer at Bon Secours Mercy Health, returns to discuss the transformative potential of ambient voice technology in nursing. He explains how this technology can reduce documentation burdens, streamline administrative tasks, and rehumanize patient care by freeing up nurses' time. Dr. Weirich shares insights on generative AI, real-time data collection, and emerging innovations like real-time location systems (RTLS) and smart rooms. He emphasizes the need for nurse involvement in developing these technologies to ensure they address real-world challenges. Throughout the episode, Dr. Weirich remains optimistic about the future, advocating for curiosity, innovation, and collaboration in healthcare.  

In this episode of The Handoff, Dr. Joni Watson welcomes back Dr. Josh Wymer, Chief Health Information and Data Strategy Officer with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. Dr. Wymer, with a decorated 20-year Navy career and extensive leadership experience in healthcare, shares his vision for transforming legacy systems to empower nurses and modernize healthcare. They explore pressing topics such as democratizing the nursing workforce, ensuring fair compensation, the rise of gig-style nursing, and aligning nursing competencies with the evolving demands of healthcare. Dr. Wymer also highlights the critical role technology and data play in shaping the future of health, while advocating for more collaborative, agile leadership to drive sustainable change across the industry.

In this episode of The Handoff, Dr. Joni Watson sits down with Dr. Tiffany Murdoch, the Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer at Ochsner Health. Tiffany brings a wealth of experience from her leadership roles and shares her visionary strategies for revolutionizing nursing practice. From virtual nursing innovations to cutting-edge workforce initiatives, she's leading a transformation in healthcare that puts nurses at the forefront of patient care. Listen as Tiffany dives deep into nurse retention, technology-driven care models, and fostering purpose and kindness in the profession. 

In this episode of The Handoff, Dr. Joni Watson speaks with Dr. Terry McDonald, system chief nursing executive and senior vice president at Duke University Health System. Dr. McDonald shares her journey from her early careers to becoming a leader in healthcare, highlighting her experience in transforming nursing leadership and supporting second and third career nurses. The conversation delves into the evolution of nursing since the pandemic, the enrichment brought by diverse career backgrounds, and the exciting future for nurses across generations. Dr. McDonald also discusses the importance of maintaining optimism, embracing new technologies, and fostering an environment where nurses can thrive and innovate in the evolving healthcare landscape.

Dr. Joni Watson sits down with Dr. Brad Jordan, CEO of a long-term acute care hospital, to explore his journey from paramedic to healthcare executive. Brad shares his people-first leadership philosophy, emphasizing the importance of transparency, honesty, and being present with the team. His unique perspective on workforce management includes personalized gestures like handwritten notes to families, fostering a culture of care that extends beyond clinical duties. Brad discusses the value of education, mentoring, and continuing growth for leaders at all levels. Hear how Brad's background in emergency medicine shaped his approach to both patient care and team engagement. Brad's passion for leadership and dedication to healthcare professionals is a powerful reminder of the impact leaders can have on shaping the future of healthcare.

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.

Dr. Joni Watson has a profound conversation with Dr. Maurice "Mo" Brownlee, a board-certified HIV specialist and innovative leader in healthcare. Dr. Brownlee shares his transformative approach to healthcare through his development of the Wellness Homes of Chicago, which reimagines patient care environments as comforting, home-like spaces. His model emphasizes the importance of comfort and familiarity, removing traditional clinical barriers to make patients feel at ease and welcomed. He explains his commitment to equity in healthcare, providing equal treatment regardless of a patient's financial or social status, and extending this inclusive philosophy to his staff as well. Dr. Brownlee's work is driven by his personal experiences with healthcare disparities and his desire to create an inclusive environment where every patient and staff member feels valued and cared for. This episode explores how personal experiences can inspire profound professional changes that impact community health and wellbeing.

Dr. Joni Watson speaks with Dr. Brooke Baldwin, Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing Executive at Oregon Health and Science University Health Care. They explore Brooke's leadership journey and her strategic vision for nursing, emphasizing professional growth, workforce challenges, and the development of guiding principles for the future. They go deep on Brooke's efforts to address complex healthcare dynamics and her commitment to fostering a resilient and thriving nursing community in various care settings.  

Dr. Joni Watson goes deep into the heart of healthcare transformation through the lens of workforce strategy and the redesign of care delivery models. Our guests, Cheryl Denison and Tracy Breece, two nurse informaticists from Mercy Health, share their pioneering journey in leveraging cutting-edge technology and innovative data-driven solutions to enhance nursing workflows and patient care. The discussion revolves around Project ANEW project and its impact on Mercy Health's care delivery model, providing valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs of integrating clinical acumen with technological advancements. Cheryl and Tracy's personal experiences and perspectives shed light on the importance of strategic workforce planning and technological innovation in transforming health care delivery.

Joni speaks with Sonna Harding, Chief Nursing Officer for HCA Florida Twin Cities Hospital. With nearly 25 years of nursing leadership, Dr. Harding shares her journey from an ambitious high school student to a distinguished CNO, emphasizing the power of vulnerability, empathy, and storytelling in shaping patient experiences and healthcare culture. Through her personal stories, including a life-changing event involving her husband, Dr. Harding illustrates how narrative can bridge the gap between healthcare professionals and the communities they serve, ultimately fostering a culture of connection, understanding, and compassionate care. This episode is a testament to the transformative potential of leadership that combines strength with softness, and action with listening, offering invaluable lessons for healthcare professionals at all levels.

Dr. Joni Watson speaks with Dr. Michael P. Carey, Jr., an expert at the nexus of nursing, health services research, and artificial intelligence (AI), to discuss the transformative impact of AI on healthcare and nursing practice. Dr. Carey shares insights on overcoming ethical challenges, the necessity for interdisciplinary collaboration, and the crucial role of education in preparing nurses for an AI-enhanced healthcare environment. This episode unveils the potential of AI to advance health equity and improve patient outcomes, highlighting the pivotal role nurse leaders play in guiding the seamless integration of AI technologies into healthcare.