Summary
In this episode of the Coffee Break Podcast, Dr. Renee Thompson sits down with Dr. Katherine Virkstis, Chief Clinical Officer at Get Well, to talk about the intersection of patient experience, staff well-being, and healthy workplace culture.
Katherine shares Get Well’s inspiring origin story, which was founded by a patient who believed every person should be treated like a VIP, and how their digital tools now empower patients, reduce cognitive burden on staff, and foster joy in care delivery. She also explains how innovations like automated documentation, real-time feedback, and a digital kindness pledge are not just transforming patient experience, but also strengthening work cultures and reducing workplace aggression.
You’ll hear practical strategies leaders can use right now to reduce stressors, support their teams, and create a safer, more respectful environment for both staff and patients.
About Dr. Katherine Virkstis:
Dr. Katherine Virkstis is the Chief Clinical Officer at Get Well, where she leads clinical strategy and customer success to help hospitals and health systems provide high-quality, personalized care. Previously, she served as Managing Director and Executive Research Partner at the Advisory Board, leading teams focused on best practices in clinical, operational, and workforce challenges. Katherine has authored over 70 publications, served on the Journal of Nursing Administration (JONA) editorial board since 2010, and is a member of AONL’s Leadership, Innovation, Technology, and Transformation Committee.
Fun fact: Katherine is also an avid tennis player and even serves as a ball kid at professional tournaments in Washington, D.C. – proving that joy and agility matter on and off the court!
Things You’ll Learn
- How Get Well’s patient engagement platform helps reduce interruptions and decision fatigue for nurses
- Why reducing cognitive burden is essential for improving both patient care and staff well-being
- How digital tools like whiteboards, auto-documentation, and kindness pledges promote safety and respect
- Why leadership presence and role modeling are critical to sustaining a healthy work culture
- Practical steps leaders can take, even without new technology, to strengthen connection and trust
Resources & Links
- Connect with Dr. Katherine Virkstis on LinkedIn
- Learn more about Get Well
- Email Katherine: [email protected]
- Download your copy of our 33 Scripts to Address Disruptive Behavior When You Don’t Know What to Say
- Check out Renee Thompson’s book Enough! Eradicating Bullying & Incivility: Strategies for Front Line Leaders here!
- Check out Renee Thompson’s book Do No Harm Applies to Nurses Too! Strategies to Protect and Bully-proof Yourself at Work here!
- Learn more about the Eradicating Bullying & Incivility eLearning Program here!
Have a question for Renee?
Email us at [email protected] to have your leadership question featured in an upcoming Q&A episode!
Exciting News! We’ve been featured on MillionPodcasts – a hand-curated database of amazing podcasts across various categories – in their Best 70 Healthcare Leadership Podcasts. They have also featured our podcast in their 70 Best Compassionate Leadership Podcasts, 20 Best Toxic Workplace Podcasts, and 25 Best Workplace Bullying Podcasts list.
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Disclosure: The host may be compensated for linking to other sites or for sales of products we link to. As an Amazon Associate, Coffee Break earns from qualifying purchases.
