At the 2024 Qualivis Roundtable, healthcare leaders shared their strategies for addressing two of the industry’s most pressing challenges: financial strain and workforce shortages. With perspectives from Chantel Greenfield, Chief Talent Officer at Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System; Monica Wharton, EVP and COO of Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare; and Buffy Key, CEO of Cookeville Regional Medical Center, the discussion offered actionable insights on fostering innovation, culture and collaboration.
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Transforming Workforce Models to Meet Modern Challenges
Healthcare organizations face increasing labor costs and severe workforce shortages. The panelists shared how their organizations are adapting:
- Innovative Care Models: Monica Wharton detailed how Methodist Le Bonheur introduced digital nursing and reinstated Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) to inpatient settings. “[Bringing back LPNs was] something unheard of in the inpatient setting. Nevertheless, our team has been able to recruit over 100 LPNs into our system so they can complement the care team and provide additional assistance to our RNs.”
- Proactive Recruitment Strategies: Chantel Greenfield shared Spartanburg’s creative tactics, including a nationwide “roadshow” that has drawn talent from 47 states and leveraging TikTok to showcase hospital roles. “TikTok has allowed us a way to show videos of what it’s like to be on our units. It’s not so scary, right? Someone can say, ‘Hey, I can see myself working with that person, in that unit.’”
Prioritizing Culture as a Retention Strategy
A strong, supportive workplace culture emerged as a cornerstone of workforce stability:
- Eliminating Toxic Dynamics: Buffy Key emphasized the importance of a nurturing, inclusive environment at Cookeville. By eliminating outdated, hierarchical attitudes and emphasizing teamwork, the organization boosted recruitment and retention. “We spend every day ensuring that these people know this is where you’re supposed to be.”
- Unified Leadership: Greenfield stressed the need for aligned leadership to create a consistent culture. “We have about 500 [leaders at Spartanburg]—that’s 500 different cultures. And we’re trying to sell one culture.”
Investing in People for Long-Term Success
The panelists agreed that investing in employees drives lasting organizational success:
- Education and Growth Opportunities: Wharton described Methodist Le Bonheur’s MAAP Program (Methodist Associate Advancement Program), which helps entry-level associates earn certifications, degrees and even PhDs. “[Participants see] up to a 90% increase in their wages over time. That is how you transform lives.”
- Compensation Adjustments: Key highlighted Cookeville’s decision to redirect $12 million from capital projects to pay increases. “It was a great incentive, because those working PRN couldn’t get that big bump if they didn’t go back full-time, so it worked very well.” This investment reduced turnover to record lows and demonstrated the organization’s commitment to its people.
Building Community Partnerships for Workforce Development
Collaboration with local and regional partners is critical for workforce sustainability:
- Strengthening Educational Pathways: Methodist Le Bonheur partners with institutions like the University of Memphis and Maharry Medical School to increase representation in healthcare and create talent pipelines. “For us, [DEI] is about the care that’s provided within our walls,” said Wharton.
- Removing Barriers: Spartanburg Regional supports One Spartanburg’s re-degree initiative, helping community members complete unfinished certifications and degrees. “The goal is to help remove barriers, like healthcare costs or car issues, to help clinicians complete their education,” said Greenfield.
Operational Efficiency Through Listening and Innovation
Efficiency and innovation are critical as organizations face increasing financial pressures:
- Streamlining Operations: Methodist Le Bonheur implemented 13 operational workstreams to simplify workflows and improve staff focus on patient care. Wharton added, “We’re also trying to find opportunities to bring technology into the workspace.”
- Responsive Leadership: Panelists highlighted the importance of listening to employees to address challenges. “If they’re struggling, if something’s not working, we need to know so we can make it better for them,” said Key.
The Role of Advocacy in Sustaining Healthcare Systems
State hospital associations play a vital role, especially in non-Medicaid expansion states like Tennessee and South Carolina. Advocacy secures funding, addresses licensing issues and amplifies the industry’s voice on legislative matters. Key urged healthcare leaders to engage with their hospital associations, while Wharton praised the Tennessee Hospital Association’s efforts to support health systems.
A Shared Call to Action
The discussion underscored a shared commitment to prioritizing people, fostering collaboration and embracing innovation to navigate healthcare’s challenges. By balancing financial realities with workforce needs, leaders are building stronger, more sustainable organizations.