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Dear Nurses,
May 6–12 marks National Nurses Week 2024, a time when we celebrate nurses everywhere who offer critical expertise and compassion across all healthcare settings.
At HCA Healthcare, more than 99,000 nurses are foundational to all we do and key to delivering on our commitment to provide the best possible care for patients. We say it often, but it bears repeating: Nursing is the differentiator for HCA Healthcare. You are leading the way for healthcare excellence and innovation, whether in our hospitals, virtually or at one of our more than 2,400 other sites of care.
Thank you for everything you do all year long to care for our patients and communities!
The last few years have been challenging for the nursing profession at large. Today, at HCA Healthcare, our nursing workforce is back stronger than ever before – in fact, we have more nurses today than we did pre-pandemic. In 2023, we recruited more than 116,500 colleagues, including 37,500 bedside nurses. We also made significant progress with employee retention and reduced turnover through training, issue resolution and targeted investments intended to help colleagues do their best work. This workforce stability is pivotal for many exciting things to come, from expanded clinical education opportunities to best practice sharing to new innovations designed to make your jobs better.
We’re grateful for nurses every day. This National Nurses Week, we’d like to share a few reasons why and highlight how you lead the way at HCA Healthcare.
First, we want to thank you for your unwavering dedication to our patients. In 2023, HCA Healthcare was responsible for more than 43 million patient encounters – made possible by the hard work, deep expertise, kind hearts and positive attitudes you bring to work every day. While it’s exciting to honor our Units of Distinction each year, we know that all of our care teams work tirelessly to care for patients, from nurse leaders to bedside nurses to virtual nurses.
Thank you for fostering our care-first culture. You support each other and work together to meet any challenge. You also help to ensure everyone’s voice is heard, and please know we value your feedback. The voice of the nurse is a critical component of our ability to provide the best possible care for patients, and it’s something we believe sets nursing apart at HCA Healthcare. It’s why we have nurse leader representation at all levels of the organization, and resource councils that give nurses a direct voice in capital investment allocation. It’s also how we’re able to best support you, for example through the development of our new clinical nurse coordinator (CNC) tool designed with your direct feedback to help unit leaders better manage your teams’ work and well-being.
We also want to recognize your commitment to growth. Our team is bringing you more resources to build capacity and competency, and your response has been inspiring. Last year, we announced more than $300 million in investments to support the education and training of nurses through new HCA Healthcare Centers for Clinical Advancement and the expansion of Galen College of Nursing. Also in 2023, more than 5,000 HCA Healthcare colleagues were enrolled in Galen programs, and we distributed approximately $10 million to assist colleagues in our Nursing RN-to-BSN program.
Our educators and resource nurses are doing incredible work onboarding and supporting new nurses, and the new Centers for Clinical Advancement will give more of you access to simulation training to help bridge the gap between classroom and bedside. Our experienced nurses continue to grow your careers with advanced certifications and leadership training.
Lastly, we want to thank you for your leadership. No matter what your role as a nurse, we believe that all of you, as the heart of our organization, are leading the way forward. We believe in your power and potential, and your ability and authority to make change. You advocate for patients and support your teams’ growth and well-being in truly inspiring ways.
We’re proud of how many of our leaders started as staff nurses and grew into the accomplished leaders they are today. We’re proud of how many of our chief nursing officers were promoted from within, in almost every case last year! And we’re proud of all nurses who lead every day, mentoring new care team members, collaborating with caregivers across the organization and taking charge of patient care in ways that only you can.
As you know, a healthcare system is only as good as its care teams, and you help make ours are the very best. Our promise is to always put you at the forefront of care, to listen to you, to invest in your careers and do whatever we can to support you. Thanks to you, we continue to push patient care forward, and we appreciate everything you do for your patients, your colleagues and your communities!
Sincerely,
Sammie Mosier, DHA, MA, BSN, NE-BC
Senior Vice President and Chief Nurse Executive
HCA Healthcare
Erica Rossitto, MBA/HCM, BSN, RN, NEA-BC
Senior Vice President, Assistant Chief Nurse Executive and Chief Nurse Executive, Atlantic Group
HCA Healthcare
Kelli Nations, DBA, MHA, BSN, RN, NE-BC
Vice President and American Group Chief Nurse Executive
HCA Healthcare
Natalie L. Ransom, DNP, RN, CENP, NEA-BC
Vice President and National Group Chief Nurse Executive
HCA Healthcare
Sisters Pam and Paula both started their investment journey five years ago, each inheriting and investing $100,000. Although they chat frequently discussions about finances are rare, until today.Paula initiated the conversation, asking, Hows your investment account holding up with all this uncertainty?Pam replied, Despite the markets rollercoaster ride, my portfolio has grown by $22,000. My advisor assures me everything is fine, and I shouldnt make any changes. You know I prefer not to dwell on that stuff. What about you?Paula beamed, Mine is up nearly $57,000! Ive used some of it to support my daughters college expenses and renovated my loft to create more space for my art projects. She continued, My advisor employs a strategy that allows me to choose how much loss I want to be reimbursed for. This means my account grows more effectively new gains actually add to my portfolio value instead of just offsetting prior losses.Pams eyes widened in surprise, You get reimbursed for losses?Yes! Paula replied enthusiastically. Plus, I can profit even in a down market, and my gains grow tax-deferred, just like my IRA.Pam realized this could be the key to enhancing her own financial success. Paula, you had mentioned you were going to approach investing differently, and it sounds amazing! I wish I had asked you for details sooner. Id really like to speak with your advisor.Of course, Pam! Heres his contact information, Paula said with a smile.The conversation opened Pam's eyes to new possibilities. Inspired by Paula's success, she felt motivated to take action to improve her investment strategy.If you're curious about Paulas advisor and how you might benefit from a similar approach, just reply to this email!Looking forward to hearing from you!
If youve been paying attention to the housing market lately, youve probably seen a lot of noise. Are prices going to drop? Will mortgage rates ever come down? Is a crash coming?With so much uncertainty in the headlines, it's completely normal to feel hesitant about buying a home right now. But as someone who lives and breathes real estate every day, let me tell you this: Real estate has always been a long-term game, and its still one of the smartest investments you can make.What the Numbers SayAccording to the latest Gallup poll, Americans have named real estate the best long-term investment for the 12th consecutive year. Thats more than a decade of outperforming stocks, gold, and bonds in the eyes of everyday investors. And this years vote came right after a shaky month for the stock and bond markets, further proving just how resilient real estate is.As Gallup put it:Amid volatility in the stock and bond markets in April, Americans preference for stocks as the best long-term investment has declined. Gold has gained in appeal, while real estate remains the top choice for the 12th consecutive year.Even in times of uncertainty, real estate continues to earn peoples trustand for good reason.Real Estate = Steady, Long-Term GrowthUnlike the fast ups and downs of stocks or crypto, real estate tends to grow steadily over time. Yes, we may see some markets cool or experience short-term corrections. But if you zoom out and look at the big picture, the long-term trend remains solid: home values rise over time.If you plan to live in your home for several years or treat it as a long-term investment, the potential for wealth-building is real. You're not just buying a place to liveyou're building equity, creating stability, and investing in your financial future.Why Homeownership Still Makes SenseEven in a market filled with mixed messages, homeownership continues to be a powerful tool for building wealth. As Sam Williamson, Senior Economist at First American, put it:A home is more than just a place to liveits often a familys most valuable financial asset and a cornerstone to building long-term wealth.That's something I see every day working with clients, especially those who bought years ago and are now enjoying the financial stability and equity growth that real estate provides.What This Means for YouReal estate isnt about chasing quick winsits about building long-term security.So if youre on the fence about buying because of headlines or market jitters, I encourage you to look beyond the short-term noise. The numbersand historyconsistently show that real estate is one of the most reliable long-term investments you can make.If you want to talk more about how real estate can work for youwhether its a cozy new home, a low-maintenance 55+ community, or a smart investment property, Im here to help.Lets connect and start planning your next smart move
Loneliness is a growing problem among older adults. A recent study found thata significant percentageof all adults aged 65 and older report feeling lonely. Loneliness can pose serious problems for the older people in our lives. If youre a caregiver for an older adult or if you have older parents or grandparents, its important to know that their loneliness can have a significant impact on physical and mental health, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, dementia, depression, and anxiety. It can also shorten lifespan. How to Help Reduce Loneliness in the Elderly CommunityThankfully, you dont have to feel helpless in the face of the loneliness epidemic gripping our nations elderly. There are a number of solutions to help combat loneliness in the elderly community. One example is the simple act of encouraging social interaction in older adults. Consider volunteering in their local community, such as at a food bank or animal shelter. Join a club or group. Take continuing education classes or a pottery class or anything like that. Simply make a point to spend more time with friends and family, even if its over the phone or video chat more than in person. Promoting physical activity is another excellent way to combat loneliness, especially its physiological components. Physical activity is a great way to improve mood and energy levels, and it can also help to reduce stress and anxiety. Likewise, encouraging healthy eating habits will also boost someones mood. The improvements to overall health and well-being cant be discounted. Finding ways to reduce stress and anxiety in older adults is an additional goal worthy of pursuit. This can include encouraging restful sleep, as its essential for physical and mental health while also reducing physical and emotional stress. Finally, seeking professional help if necessary is always beneficial. If an older adult is struggling with loneliness, it is important to seek professional help. A therapist can help to understand the root of their loneliness and develop strategies for coping with it. Other Solutions on How You Can Help Reduce Loneliness in the Elderly CommunityWhether youre a caregiver for an older person or their adult child or grandchild, you obviously care about them and want them to enjoy a happy, healthy life. Theres plenty that you can do to help, even though it may be akin to simply leading a horse to water in some circumstances. Here are some other solutions on how to help reduce loneliness amongst the elderly community: Rely on friends and family.Many older adults feel socially isolated, especially after retirement, as they dont have the same everyday opportunities for social interaction as they used to. Encourage them to reach out to friends and family and be sure to spend time with them when youre able to. Get them involved in community events.You can encourage an older adult to become involved in the community to help rebuild and support opportunities for social interaction. Volunteering for charitable organizations or events is one method, as is joining recreational clubs or taking classes. All of these offer great ways to meet new people and make friends.Encourage proper healthcare.Make sure theyre getting any healthcare they need. This can be as simple as ensuring they make it to their regular doctor appointments to ensuring they receive whatever care they might require depending on their health.Take care of yourself.If youre providing any level of caregiving to an older adult, either professionally or as a family member, be sure to take some time for yourself. You cant be there for them if youre burnt out and struggling as well. Many of the same pieces of advice, such as getting enough rest, eating well, and being active, can be applied to you as much as can be applied to the senior youre providing care for. The Role a Retirement Community Can PlayHow to help reduce loneliness in the elderly community can be a challenge, which is why its always a good idea to enlist the help of others if youre concerned an older adult in your care is struggling with social isolation. One of the best resources for preventing the negative effects of loneliness in older adults is undoubtedly the modern retirement community. This is because of the sheer number of amenities and opportunities these communities offer. Retirement communities are designed to provide countless avenues for socialization for their residents. Regular events and programs like art classes, access to fitness centers with personal trainers, and areas dedicated to game rooms provide ample opportunities to make friends and enjoy the company of other older adults together. Consider also walking trails, opportunity to grow a community garden, and more. Additionally, the healthcare options at retirement communities, especially continuing care retirement communities, can help keep residents happier and healthier throughout their stay. Helping Older Adults Cope with LonelinessCaring for an older adult can be a full-time job to be sure, especially while youre also worried that the older adult in your care is suffering from feelings of loneliness. These feelings can stem from dozens of different sources, but the end result is the same: a diminished quality of life that can have a negative impact on that individuals ability to enjoy retirement. In the most extreme cases, loneliness can even lead to physical and emotional issues that could cause long-lasting harm. Loneliness is a common problem, but its one that can be overcome. By encouraging older adults to take steps to connect with others and build social support, you can help them improve their quality of life and live happier, healthier, and more fulfilling lives during their retirement years. Do your best to be there for the older adult in your life by spending time with them when you can, and by helping them to find solutions to combat loneliness in the elderly community, for when youre unable to be with them personally.
At HCA Healthcare, we are driven by a single mission: Above all else, we are committed to the care and improvement of human life.HCA Healthcare is dedicated to giving people a healthier tomorrow. As one of the nation's leading providers of healthcare services, HCA Healthcare is comprised of 186 hospitals and approximately 2,400 sites of care in 20 states and the United Kingdom.In addition to hospitals, sites of care include surgery centers, freestanding emergency rooms, urgent care clinics, diagnostic and imaging centers, walk-in clinics and physician clinics.Many things set HCA Healthcare apart from other healthcare organizations; however, at our core, our greatest strength is our people. Every day, more than 309,000 colleagues go to work with a collective focus: our patients. Our focus positively impacts the care experience at the bedside and beyond.As a learning health system, HCA Healthcare analyzes data from more than 43 million patient encounters each year. This data helps develop technologies and best practices that improve patient care. We also share our learnings with the larger healthcare community and government agencies to improve care everywhere.We are proud of the impact we have in our communities through employment, investment and charitable giving.In 2023, we spent $4.7 billion on capital investment in land, buildings and equipment. In addition, HCA Healthcare pays significant taxes that help revitalize communities.We also provided charity care, uninsured discounts and other uncompensated care at an estimated cost of $3.7 billion in 2023.At HCA Healthcare, we are excited about the future of medicine. We believe we are uniquely positioned to play a leading role in the transformation of care.
At HCA Healthcare, we are driven by a single mission: Above all else, we are committed to the care and improvement of human life.HCA Healthcare is dedicated to giving people a healthier tomorrow. As one of the nation's leading providers of healthcare services, HCA Healthcare is comprised of 186 hospitals and approximately 2,400 sites of care in 20 states and the United Kingdom.In addition to hospitals, sites of care include surgery centers, freestanding emergency rooms, urgent care clinics, diagnostic and imaging centers, walk-in clinics and physician clinics.Many things set HCA Healthcare apart from other healthcare organizations; however, at our core, our greatest strength is our people. Every day, more than 309,000 colleagues go to work with a collective focus: our patients. Our focus positively impacts the care experience at the bedside and beyond.As a learning health system, HCA Healthcare analyzes data from more than 43 million patient encounters each year. This data helps develop technologies and best practices that improve patient care. We also share our learnings with the larger healthcare community and government agencies to improve care everywhere.We are proud of the impact we have in our communities through employment, investment and charitable giving.In 2023, we spent $4.7 billion on capital investment in land, buildings and equipment. In addition, HCA Healthcare pays significant taxes that help revitalize communities.We also provided charity care, uninsured discounts and other uncompensated care at an estimated cost of $3.7 billion in 2023.At HCA Healthcare, we are excited about the future of medicine. We believe we are uniquely positioned to play a leading role in the transformation of care.
At HCA Healthcare, we are driven by a single mission: Above all else, we are committed to the care and improvement of human life.HCA Healthcare is dedicated to giving people a healthier tomorrow. As one of the nation's leading providers of healthcare services, HCA Healthcare is comprised of 186 hospitals and approximately 2,400 sites of care in 20 states and the United Kingdom.In addition to hospitals, sites of care include surgery centers, freestanding emergency rooms, urgent care clinics, diagnostic and imaging centers, walk-in clinics and physician clinics.Many things set HCA Healthcare apart from other healthcare organizations; however, at our core, our greatest strength is our people. Every day, more than 309,000 colleagues go to work with a collective focus: our patients. Our focus positively impacts the care experience at the bedside and beyond.As a learning health system, HCA Healthcare analyzes data from more than 43 million patient encounters each year. This data helps develop technologies and best practices that improve patient care. We also share our learnings with the larger healthcare community and government agencies to improve care everywhere.We are proud of the impact we have in our communities through employment, investment and charitable giving.In 2023, we spent $4.7 billion on capital investment in land, buildings and equipment. In addition, HCA Healthcare pays significant taxes that help revitalize communities.We also provided charity care, uninsured discounts and other uncompensated care at an estimated cost of $3.7 billion in 2023.At HCA Healthcare, we are excited about the future of medicine. We believe we are uniquely positioned to play a leading role in the transformation of care.