Healthcare is diverse, are your well-being initiatives?

From physicians to specialists, nurses, medical assistants, technicians, admins and beyond, every medical facility relies on an intricate network of communication, teamwork and dedication. 

But what happens when one or more of those pieces fall behind or burn out? Burnout does not discriminate, and in today’s healthcare system, every role is faced with the challenge of maintaining personal and professional well-being. 

A healthcare system can only be optimized for superior care and success if employee well-being is a top priority. 

But wellness can look different across roles. We met with several different vital healthcare heroes to bring you the best wellness advice, regardless of your position. 

Tips from a Pharmacist 

Pharmacists are one of the most accessible access points to healthcare across the country. From the bustling hospitals of big cities to rural and remote pharmacies, these professionals provide far more than medication to their local communities. 

But with growing needs and shrinking enrollment numbers, pharmacists are facing shortages just like other roles in healthcare. Dr. Anna Legreid Dopp, Senior Director of Government Relations at ASHP shares her best advice for establishing and protecting your well-being as a healthcare professional.

First and foremost, awareness is key. Many people don’t recognize the immense amount of roles (or the training that comes with each) for those in the healthcare field. Next, there needs to be a focus on systems evolution.

Tips from a PA

With physician shortages across the country, one role is making a significant difference in closing healthcare gaps. Dawn Morton-Rias, President & CEO of the NCCPA joined us to talk about the evolving role of Physician Assistants and how they are closing the gaps in an incredibly complex system with compassionate care. 

According to Dawn, protecting your well-being starts with recognizing that self-care is not selfish. 

Professionals in healthcare need to take care of themselves and invest in creative outlets and hobbies. 

Tips from a healthcare architect

Many times, well-being doesn’t come naturally. It has to be built into the daily practices of facilities and individuals to truly be successful. In fact — if well-being is kept top of mind when building each facility, it can come much easier. 

Sharon Woodworth, Sector Leader National Healthcare Practice at Harley Ellis Devereaux (HED), walks us through the importance of healthcare architecture. When your facility is built with communication, collaboration and the needs of today and tomorrow in mind, efficiency can be optimized, removing some of the friction that can lead to burnout (and damage the quality of care). 

Wellness in your facility

Are you seeing signs of burnout in your facility? Well-being can’t be achieved without talking about it. When you commit to focusing on the wellness of your staff, the overall success of your facility can thrive. 

The very first step is recognizing that there may be well-being challenges and starting the conversation. 

Not sure where to start? Resources like Heroes of Healthcare, ASHP’s Wellness Wednesday and the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation are here to help you.