Editor’s note: These responses were edited lightly for clarity and length.
Question: What in the healthcare industry is making you nervous right now? Why?:
Christine Blackburn: What I am nervous about right now is the direction I see for staffing to include certified registered nurse anesthetists. There appears to be a shortage of all staff with COVID-19 behind us and hospital salaries in front of us. I see retirement of staff that no longer want to work. COVID-19 was hard on so many. I see the salary increase of CRNAs, the fee structure of the CRNAs, and wonder how we can continue on this path to keep everyone profitable.
Q: What in the healthcare industry is making you hopeful right now? Why?
CB: I am hopeful when I see how we have created a good culture at our center by focusing on the staff and providers. Hiring for culture is also the way to increase morale and keep it at an all-time high. We may not be able to compete with hospital salaries, but we offer so much more with no on-call, holidays or weekends and flexible scheduling. Everyone needs to feel that they are a significant part of our center and they are part of our “work family.”
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