The Galen College of Nursing recently played host to the March Healthcare Committee meeting. The discussion was opened by the esteemed Jimena Saenz, Chair of the Committee, who set the stage for an exchange of different ideas and perspectives. Dr. Terry Douglas, Dean of Galen College of Nursing, kicked off the discussion with an overview of the university's offerings. With a spotlight on their top-tier nursing program and insightful student statistics, Dr. Douglas laid a pretty solid foundation for the discussions to follow.
Jimena followed with thought-provoking questions aimed at the challenges and opportunities within the nursing realm. One question that sparked a lively dialogue was: "In hiring nurses, what are the pain points, and how do we make med-surg sexy again?" Attendees dove into the complexities of nurse recruitment, identifying hours, compensation, and loan forgiveness as key hurdles. Amber from Methodist shared insights into the shifting perceptions around med-surg, revealing recruitment struggles echoed across hospitals statewide. {I forgot her name} from Methodist Healthcare Ministries proposed an innovative solution: an incentivized metric bonus system, garnering nods of agreement as a potential game-changer for San Antonio's healthcare landscape.
President Jeff Webster and Crissy from Methodist underscored the pressing need for work-life balance and quality of life in today's nursing workforce. Addressing concerns about night shifts and contract labor, the duo campaigned for an approach for nurse retention and well-being. Crissy poignantly noted the cultural disparities inherent in contract labor, emphasizing the importance of community ties in fostering a sense of purpose beyond the job description. The meeting adjourned with a collective commitment to steering the healthcare sector towards a brighter, more sustainable future.