Kathy English, Executive VP, COO & CNO at Children's Hospital & Medical Center - Omaha, joins the podcast to discuss her background, why she chose and stayed in pediatrics, the hurdles and challenges of pursuing a career in pediatrics and how to overcome them, and much more.
Summary
Kathy English Discusses the Rewards and Challenges of a Career in Pediatrics
About Kathy English
Kathy English, the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Children's Hospital and Medical Center, has had a distinguished career in pediatric healthcare for over three decades. She brings her expertise and unique perspective to a wide-ranging discussion about the rewards and challenges of working in pediatrics.Why Pediatrics?
Kathy speaks passionately about the unique atmosphere and strong connection to patient care that drew her to pediatrics. Moreover, she shares that pediatric healthcare is a domain unto itself; it requires specific training and knowledge not commonly taught in medical or nursing schools.Addressing Challenges
But Children's Hospital and Medical Center is addressing these challenges head-on. They have implemented comprehensive training programs like a scholarship program, a nurse residency program, and an adult-to-pediatrics program. These new programs for education will ensure proper training for staff and break down the barriers to entry into this specialized field. Furthermore, they are addressing clinician burnout through culture of transparency, support, and opportunities for team members to reconnect with their passion for healthcare. The hospital's focus is to create a culture of two-way communication, recognition, and support for their team. This, in turn, creates a positive work experience, which goes a long way in reducing burnout rates.A Positive Culture
Kathy believes that authentic leadership requires vulnerability and addresses the social determinants of health of their team members. She focuses on creating a people first philosophy where every decision considers the staff's well-being and long-term growth. Healthcare workers who feel valued produce higher quality work, which benefits the patients.Future Plans
Looking ahead, Kathy is excited about creating a mental health and wellness center for staff and exploring new and innovative ways of connecting with staff and providing care. By prioritizing the staff's well-being, the hospital can establish a stable foundation for delivering exceptional care to the patients. In conclusion, Kathy English believes that pediatrics is a demanding but rewarding domain. The challenges are not something to be avoided, but something to tackle head-on. With the appropriate training, focus on staff well-being and a positive culture, Children's Hospital and Medical Center may provide an excellent example of how to create a thriving environment in pediatric healthcare.
Note: This is an AI generated transcript, not edited by a staff writer and is solely intended for educational purposes. If you have any questions/concerns, reach out to podcasts@beckershealthcare.com
This episode aired on 04/03/2023 and can be listened here.
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