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Creating a culture of gratitude and visibility is essential for fostering a healthy and respectful healthcare work environment.
In this episode, Paula Schmidt, Chief Nursing Officer at Froedtert Hospital, shares her strategies for supporting her team’s well-being and addressing workplace concerns. She fosters a culture of gratitude by having directors share something they’re grateful for in meetings and emphasizes the importance of visibility through staff rounding. To identify challenges, she asks employees, “What keeps you here?” and “What are the pebbles in your shoe?” then follows up with handwritten recognition notes and incorporates feedback into newsletters. Paula also highlights the need for transparency in decision-making, especially when addressing common concerns like staffing, space, and compensation.
Tune in and learn how to start small and implement these strategies within your own team to foster a positive and supportive work culture!
About Paula Schmidt
Paula Schmidt is a healthcare executive and Chief Nursing Officer at Froedtert Hospital, leading patient care services, clinical operations, and nursing strategy. With over 20 years in healthcare, she has held leadership roles at Froedtert Health and Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin, driving operational excellence and advancing patient-centered care. Paula holds an MSN and MBA from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. She blends clinical expertise with business acumen to enhance care delivery, improve outcomes, and foster innovation in nursing and hospital operations.
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