At the onset of COVID-19, management and conservation of personal protective equipment became a crucial part of the equation to ensure our frontline caregivers are supported as they care for patients.
“We are blessed to have all the PPE and equipment we need to appropriately care for our patients while staying protected,” said Noel Edwards, an HCA Healthcare nurse at Rapides Regional Medical Center in Alexandria, Louisiana. “Our workload has increased but we have adapted, communicated and come together to provide the best care for our COVID-19 patients.”
While our 4th of July celebrations may feel a bit subdued as we continue to practice social distancing, the reason for our celebration shines more brightly than ever before. We feel it is especially important to take a moment to honor those who have dedicated their lives to preserving our freedom, calling to mind the core values our country was built upon.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) June 2020 Hiring Situation reported that payrolls grew by 4.8 million last month. Higher than the 3 million jobs economists have anticipated would be gained. Unemployment dropped from 13.3% to 11.1% while job growth numbers were the largest since the government started keeping records in 1939 amid what economists believe to be the deepest and shortest recession in American history.
HCA Healthcare has enhanced the organization's dedication to providing valuable support for patients across the nations through the organization's new initiative to support long-term care facilities. The new initiative supplies long-term care facilities with staffing assistance, protective equipment sourcing, testing guidance, as well as comprehensive facility infection control and recovery toolkits.
While many patients may have been concerned to receive an organ transplant during COVID-19, Greg Pruitt felt comfortable receiving a heart transplant from Largo Medical Center, an HCA Healthcare-affiliated facility. As the Largo Medical Center took enhanced precautions throughout the facility, Greg Pruitt observed increased safety measures that made his decision to receive the transplant quick and easy.
At HCA Healthcare, nurses are the cornerstone of patient care and considered the lifeblood of the organization
HCA Healthcare’s Senior Vice President & Chief Nurse Executive, Jane Englebright, Ph.D., RN, CENP, FAAN, says that because nurses are with patients and their families during some of the most important and vulnerable moments in life, it means they have a unique opportunity to make a difference. And they can positively impact both outcomes and the care experience for every patient.
Englebright recently provided her thoughts through an executive Q&A.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) May 2020 Hiring Situation surprised economists, revealing that 2.5 million jobs were regained last month, significantly higher than the 7.5 million job loss anticipated. The gains come as the economy has begun to open up across the country and the initial economic shock of COVID-19 appears to have stabilized. That said, many economists still believe the road to economic recovery will be long. The unemployment rate edged down to 13.3%.
Within the healthcare sector, 312,400 jobs returned, with gains seen primarily in offices of physicians, healthcare practitioners and dentists. Jobs within ambulatory care settings grew by 375,700, however hospital payrolls fell by 26,700.
Each Memorial Day we pay tribute to the men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of the security of our nation and the defense of American values. We stand in continued partnership with the United Way’s MISSION UNITED initiative and with our military families in remembrance of the fallen as we demonstrate our appreciation for their sacrifice.
Every one of our approximately 280,000 colleagues—whether providing direct patient care or supporting those who do—play a critically important role in helping to ensure our patients receive the best possible care. This National Hospital Week, May 10-16, we pay tribute to all our talented and compassionate team members who work together each day to advance healthcare across our organization and throughout the communities we serve.
Even in uncertain times, the one true constant has always been our people, and within the last few days, we have received an overwhelming response from colleagues across the country who have submitted thank you notes in recognition of their fellow colleagues who have stood tall and bravely faced this global health crisis head on.
Here are just a few of the many notes of appreciation received to date.
Frontline Fighters
“Thank you all frontline fighters for being so brave and decisive to battle against the effects of this pandemic. Not too many have the courage to go to battle and not knowing where the enemy is, even though you hear and see the damage and pain it is causing. Not too many risk their own life to exhaustion, while leaving their loved ones at home, waiting for your return. Thank you for keeping us, our friends, family and community alive and healthy! You are all in our prayers, with admiration and pride. Thank you!” – Camilo Giraldo, HealthTrust Workforce Solutions, IT Analytics
“Thank you to all of our healthcare workers who are selflessly dedicating their time to help others. You are heroes for choosing to be on the frontlines every day during this dangerous time. Sending peaceful vibes your way, and hoping for positive news to come.” – Kellyn Johnson, Parallon, Learning & Development
“I would like to thank all the nurses, doctors, healthcare providers on the frontlines that are working diligently to take care of our patients and their families. I appreciate all you are doing for all of us. Thank you for keeping us all safe!” – Lisa Garcia, HealthTrust Workforce Solutions, Verified Professionals
Information Technology (IT) colleagues and patient care providers at affiliate Del Sol Medical Center in El Paso, Texas.
Unsung Heroes
“Our Environmental Services Teams are another group of unsung heroes! You make a hospital a safe place for someone to walk into when he/she needs care. You make a room like new between patients, so the next person admitted has a feeling and experience like he/she is the first person to ever occupy it. You make an ICU a safer place for healthcare providers to work day in and day out. You go into battle against infectious organisms so that people who enter our hospitals—to give or receive care—can afterward walk back out of those doors and take in the gift of a deep breath once again. Thank you for showing up and doing the painstaking work every day that benefits all of us.” – Josh Sadler, Corporate IT
“Thank you to our incredible Employee Health department! These nurses have been working behind the scenes to provide care like family for our caregivers since day one. We are so lucky to have our Employee Health nurses, Brandy and Beryl, who are always a calm presence in the midst of an ever changing environment.” – Jennifer Iller, Medical City Arlington, Human Resources
“I would like to thank all the wonderful healthcare colleagues that work at HCA Houston Healthcare Conroe! During my 15+ years with HCA Healthcare, I have seen our employees step up to the challenge time and time again, and 2020 has been no different. Each person’s commitment to HCA Houston Healthcare Conroe has created a great culture and our employees raise the bar every day in their care for our patients and each other!” – Diana Howell, HCA Houston Healthcare Conroe, Human Resources
Resilience and Compassion
“Remembering my time in the military during the event of 9/11, I noticed thousands of individuals were inspired to join the military. Now, during this unprecedented event, I am certain your sacrifice is inspiring a new generation across the globe to join the healthcare provider field. Thank you so much for all of your hard work and sacrifice!” – Neal Rigsby, Corporate Litigation
“Thank you for the resilience and compassion you bring forth every day. It’s an honor to support you in your service to patients and their families in these challenging times.” – Kelsey McManus, HR Shared Operations
“I want to offer my admiration and gratitude to all of our caregivers. The strength of the HCA Healthcare culture runs deep throughout this organization. It is our caregivers who carry this on through their compassion, courage and commitment to excellence. Thank you for caring like family every day and living the commitment to our mission!” – Charlie Toney, HR Employee Benefits
“You are our heroes 365 days every year. But during these days, it seems what you’ve signed up for places you in harm’s way more than ever. ‘Thank you’ seems woefully inadequate, so I add my prayers for your well-being…emotionally, spiritually, physically and in every other way possible. Thank you!” – Dennis Morgan, ITG Talent Acquisition
Colleagues in the OR at affiliate TriStar Centennial in Nashville, Tenn.
Flower Power
“A Blooming Tribute at the Bradford Robertson Color Garden’s arches at Cheekwood Botanical Gardens in Nashville, TN, has been purchased in honor of HCA Healthcare heroes. It is my way to say ‘Thank you.’ My hope is you will be able to get out there and enjoy it with your families soon.” – Susan Kirk, HR Employee Benefits
Express Your Gratitude
If you would like to share your appreciation of our healthcare heroes, submit a thank you note on the “Thank You, Healthcare Heroes” page. Let our healthcare heroes know that their courage, diligence, selflessness and passion makes you proud to be part of HCA Healthcare and HealthTrust Workforce Solutions.
HealthTrust Workforce Solutions is proud to be a part of HCA Healthcare, one of the nation’s leading providers of healthcare services, comprising 186 hospitals and approximately 2,000 sites of care, including surgery centers, freestanding ERs, urgent care centers, and physician clinics, in 21 states and the United Kingdom.
Three months in to the pandemic, we find ourselves in the middle of Mental Health Month, observed annually in May. The circumstances of COVID-19 leave many grappling with isolation, anxiety and fear. There has never been a more important time to monitor your mental well-being and that of your loved ones. At HealthTrust Workforce Solutions, we are proud to stand with HCA Healthcare for the mental health of patients – and – for our more than 280,000 colleagues. Learn more below…
Engage is an emerging blog which features relevant, informative and engaging content designed to promote and advance the healthcare industry and the professionals who work within it.
