1 00:00:00,235 --> 00:00:02,205 - Prepare to dive into the forefront 2 00:00:02,225 --> 00:00:05,525 of healthcare innovation at our 14th annual meeting coming 3 00:00:05,545 --> 00:00:06,645 up on April 8th 4 00:00:06,645 --> 00:00:10,765 through 11th at the Hyatt Regency in Chicago, with thousands 5 00:00:10,765 --> 00:00:13,965 of industry leaders converging over four dynamic days 6 00:00:13,985 --> 00:00:16,805 of discussions on crucial topics from health IT 7 00:00:17,185 --> 00:00:18,685 to executive leadership. 8 00:00:18,995 --> 00:00:21,325 It's where the future of healthcare takes shape. 9 00:00:21,865 --> 00:00:24,085 We can't wait to connect with you in person 10 00:00:24,305 --> 00:00:26,685 and engage in these important conversations. 11 00:00:27,555 --> 00:00:30,005 - This is Laura Dedo with the Becker's Healthcare Podcast. 12 00:00:30,545 --> 00:00:33,005 I'm thrilled today to be joined by Caroline Jao, 13 00:00:33,025 --> 00:00:35,125 senior Vice President of Patient Care Services 14 00:00:35,185 --> 00:00:37,325 and Chief Nursing Officer at Children's Minnesota. 15 00:00:37,885 --> 00:00:39,685 Caroline is a pleasure to have you on the podcast today. 16 00:00:40,715 --> 00:00:43,145 - Thank you for having me, Laura. I'm excited to be here. 17 00:00:44,245 --> 00:00:45,665 - Now, I know we have a lot to talk about, 18 00:00:45,685 --> 00:00:48,025 and I'm certainly looking forward to learning more about 19 00:00:48,025 --> 00:00:49,385 what you're doing at Children's Minnesota. 20 00:00:49,485 --> 00:00:51,305 But before we dive into my broader questions, 21 00:00:51,325 --> 00:00:52,265 can you tell me a little bit more 22 00:00:52,265 --> 00:00:53,305 about yourself and your background? 23 00:00:54,815 --> 00:00:57,575 - Absolutely. So as you mentioned, my name is Caroline, 24 00:00:58,035 --> 00:01:01,975 and I started my career as a nurse almost 18 years ago 25 00:01:02,555 --> 00:01:05,095 and have evolved, evolved in following my passion 26 00:01:05,235 --> 00:01:06,335 for nursing leadership. 27 00:01:06,685 --> 00:01:08,975 That has also led me into executive leadership 28 00:01:09,035 --> 00:01:11,255 for the last three years at Children Minnesota. 29 00:01:11,955 --> 00:01:15,255 Um, I've had the honor of receiving several leadership 30 00:01:15,315 --> 00:01:18,575 and impact awards, um, over the last several years, 31 00:01:18,575 --> 00:01:20,175 including the modern healthcare 32 00:01:20,915 --> 00:01:23,735 top 25 emerging leaders in 22. 33 00:01:24,155 --> 00:01:26,255 Um, also a rising star in healthcare 34 00:01:26,435 --> 00:01:28,055 by Becker Hospital Review. 35 00:01:28,395 --> 00:01:29,455 And then most recently, 36 00:01:29,555 --> 00:01:31,975 the Twin Cities notable Bipoc executives. 37 00:01:32,475 --> 00:01:37,015 Uh, it's an honor in, um, for me to be responsible 38 00:01:37,015 --> 00:01:38,575 for leading patient care services 39 00:01:38,635 --> 00:01:42,615 and operations, which include nursing, child 40 00:01:42,615 --> 00:01:45,215 and family services, support operations 41 00:01:45,235 --> 00:01:47,615 and pharmacy here at Children's Minnesota. 42 00:01:48,155 --> 00:01:49,575 And then, uh, in addition to 43 00:01:49,575 --> 00:01:51,215 that is the chief nursing officer. 44 00:01:52,215 --> 00:01:54,535 I lead nursing strategy, education, 45 00:01:54,595 --> 00:01:56,815 and professional development for one 46 00:01:56,815 --> 00:01:59,695 of the largest pediatric healthcare systems in the country. 47 00:02:00,435 --> 00:02:01,695 I'm also proud to say 48 00:02:01,695 --> 00:02:04,615 that Children's Minnesota is a magnet designated system 49 00:02:05,315 --> 00:02:07,735 for delivering the highest quality care 50 00:02:08,275 --> 00:02:09,415 for nursing excellence. 51 00:02:09,955 --> 00:02:11,415 So that's a little bit about me. 52 00:02:13,485 --> 00:02:15,415 - Fantastic. And you know, it's great to hear 53 00:02:15,415 --> 00:02:17,295 that you've had such a great achievements 54 00:02:17,295 --> 00:02:18,615 and accomplishments throughout your career. 55 00:02:18,815 --> 00:02:21,935 I can imagine it's such a rewarding role, um, you know, to, 56 00:02:21,995 --> 00:02:24,335 to be helping the children on a daily basis 57 00:02:24,475 --> 00:02:26,655 and then to, um, to be recognized is really cool. 58 00:02:26,995 --> 00:02:29,095 So I'm wondering, what are some of the biggest issues 59 00:02:29,095 --> 00:02:31,175 that you're following in healthcare for this year? 60 00:02:33,535 --> 00:02:36,935 - Question, uh, Laura. Uh, I think, uh, I would start 61 00:02:36,935 --> 00:02:38,215 with workforce pressures 62 00:02:38,805 --> 00:02:41,295 that are definitely impacting staffing, 63 00:02:41,665 --> 00:02:43,975 especially in nursing and support operations. 64 00:02:44,675 --> 00:02:47,935 Um, and these pressures have also inspired innovation 65 00:02:48,075 --> 00:02:52,175 and short term and long term strategies that have been one 66 00:02:52,175 --> 00:02:54,495 of my focuses, uh, in my role 67 00:02:54,635 --> 00:02:58,295 as a guidance support recruitment of nurses in a very, 68 00:02:58,405 --> 00:03:00,645 very tight and competitive labor market. 69 00:03:01,145 --> 00:03:03,365 Of course, I'm able to do this in partnership 70 00:03:03,365 --> 00:03:06,205 with our amazing nursing teams and our recruitment teams. 71 00:03:06,745 --> 00:03:09,165 Um, so that's, uh, one of our biggest challenges. 72 00:03:09,385 --> 00:03:12,725 And, um, I'll also say that, you know, we have 73 00:03:12,725 --> 00:03:14,925 to think about, you know, what are we gonna do about this? 74 00:03:14,925 --> 00:03:17,925 And so one of my commitments has been in expanding 75 00:03:18,465 --> 00:03:21,485 our transition to practice programs for new licensed nurses. 76 00:03:22,145 --> 00:03:25,085 Um, and this is a program that, um, bridges the gap 77 00:03:25,085 --> 00:03:27,725 between academic preparation and clinical practice. 78 00:03:28,195 --> 00:03:30,325 This year alone, we'll have four cohorts. 79 00:03:30,325 --> 00:03:32,125 Last year we five cohorts. 80 00:03:32,625 --> 00:03:36,845 Uh, in addition to that, um, innovating, uh, 81 00:03:37,025 --> 00:03:40,005 in thinking of different ways to recruit nurses, um, 82 00:03:40,455 --> 00:03:42,325 especially for children's Minnesota. 83 00:03:42,465 --> 00:03:44,565 We serve a very diverse community. 84 00:03:44,705 --> 00:03:47,125 So, uh, we looked at different ways, uh, 85 00:03:47,145 --> 00:03:49,325 of diversifying the nursing workforce. 86 00:03:49,865 --> 00:03:54,645 Um, and just in 22, we have a 22%, um, rate 87 00:03:54,905 --> 00:03:58,205 of new nurses hired of color across the organization. 88 00:03:58,785 --> 00:04:00,885 Um, it's a joy to work with kids. 89 00:04:01,065 --> 00:04:03,925 And so, um, as I think about, you know, talent, 90 00:04:04,065 --> 00:04:07,085 the challenges we face, I'm also thinking about 91 00:04:07,475 --> 00:04:10,845 what a joy working with kids brings to many, 92 00:04:10,845 --> 00:04:14,445 especially those who are passionate like our kid experts 93 00:04:14,865 --> 00:04:16,845 and we, and honor to support an organization 94 00:04:16,845 --> 00:04:19,365 that has been here for a hundred years, um, 95 00:04:19,505 --> 00:04:21,165 as the key experts in our region. 96 00:04:21,385 --> 00:04:22,525 So those are, you know, 97 00:04:22,525 --> 00:04:24,965 workforce challenges are a big one for me, for sure. 98 00:04:25,465 --> 00:04:27,485 Um, and we'll continue to be this year, 99 00:04:27,585 --> 00:04:29,365 but I'm proud of the work that we have done 100 00:04:29,465 --> 00:04:30,965 and what we continue to do. 101 00:04:31,985 --> 00:04:35,135 Lastly, um, health inequities 102 00:04:35,235 --> 00:04:38,855 and healthcare outcomes across the nation are a challenge 103 00:04:38,955 --> 00:04:42,975 for all of us, myself, including, um, which, um, 104 00:04:43,075 --> 00:04:45,135 as you can imagine, this inequities are driven 105 00:04:45,235 --> 00:04:47,895 by many factors, including social determinants of health. 106 00:04:48,435 --> 00:04:51,055 And so I'm also looking at ways in these, 107 00:04:51,055 --> 00:04:55,175 our organization can address those issues in 2024. 108 00:04:55,795 --> 00:04:57,615 So those are couple of my challenges. 109 00:04:57,625 --> 00:04:58,975 Laura, I hope that's helpful. 110 00:04:59,805 --> 00:05:02,335 - Yeah, I, I, you know, I think that, uh, is really helpful 111 00:05:02,515 --> 00:05:05,695 to know and understand, to think through the, um, you know, 112 00:05:05,695 --> 00:05:09,215 really results driven way that you've looked at kind 113 00:05:09,215 --> 00:05:10,575 of improving patient care as well 114 00:05:10,575 --> 00:05:12,455 as looking at the nursing team. 115 00:05:12,555 --> 00:05:15,695 The retention rate in building more diverse teams is really, 116 00:05:15,995 --> 00:05:17,575 um, impressive to see. 117 00:05:18,125 --> 00:05:19,895 When you look ahead, what are you most excited 118 00:05:19,895 --> 00:05:20,975 about and what makes you nervous? 119 00:05:22,195 --> 00:05:25,255 - Um, good question. I think my current excitement 120 00:05:25,315 --> 00:05:28,495 and which will be for the next few years, is in my role 121 00:05:28,555 --> 00:05:31,335 as I think about supporting our patients in our communities, 122 00:05:31,915 --> 00:05:34,975 the recruitment and, uh, of nurses and our support staff. 123 00:05:35,395 --> 00:05:38,375 Um, I think that's what gives me so much joy right now. 124 00:05:39,035 --> 00:05:41,295 And every other week I get a chance 125 00:05:41,295 --> 00:05:44,095 to welcome new hired people, um, employees and nurses. 126 00:05:45,115 --> 00:05:49,215 The story of why they get into, uh, nursing and healthcare 127 00:05:49,835 --> 00:05:53,175 and why they want to work at Children's Minnesota is 128 00:05:53,235 --> 00:05:56,095 so inspiring and gives me lots of excitement 129 00:05:56,475 --> 00:05:58,685 to continue supporting all of our teams 130 00:05:59,425 --> 00:06:02,885 and our patients, um, as they dedicate their life 131 00:06:03,025 --> 00:06:06,085 and careers to delivering expert pediatric care. 132 00:06:06,825 --> 00:06:10,765 My other excitement is around our organization, been around 133 00:06:10,865 --> 00:06:13,765 for a hundred years, Laura, and that's exciting. 134 00:06:13,795 --> 00:06:17,325 It's solidified our expertise in pediatrics 135 00:06:17,865 --> 00:06:20,725 and we're truly the key experts, um, in our region, 136 00:06:21,005 --> 00:06:22,405 I would argue across the nation. 137 00:06:22,985 --> 00:06:26,205 Um, this also brings a lot of stability to the organization. 138 00:06:26,345 --> 00:06:28,725 So those two things are continuing 139 00:06:28,725 --> 00:06:30,525 to support our patients and our meeting members. 140 00:06:30,745 --> 00:06:35,285 And, um, and also continuing to celebrate a solid, 141 00:06:35,975 --> 00:06:38,685 solid expertise with a hundred, um, 142 00:06:38,685 --> 00:06:41,565 hundredth year anniversary bring me the most joy. 143 00:06:42,145 --> 00:06:43,765 - You know, it's so impressive to have that type 144 00:06:43,765 --> 00:06:46,205 of legacy a hundred years, um, you know, to 145 00:06:46,205 --> 00:06:47,965 of being served the same community 146 00:06:47,985 --> 00:06:49,925 and really grow with the families that live there 147 00:06:49,945 --> 00:06:52,165 and work there to make the community great. 148 00:06:52,305 --> 00:06:54,365 And then too, as you mentioned, just, you know, 149 00:06:54,385 --> 00:06:56,165 the excitement of, of new employees 150 00:06:56,165 --> 00:06:57,685 and new team members coming on. 151 00:06:57,705 --> 00:07:00,285 Um, you know, that seems like it'll be really rewarding. 152 00:07:00,305 --> 00:07:01,645 Um, but you know, I, 153 00:07:01,645 --> 00:07:04,085 I know the flip side I asked about too, Yeah. 154 00:07:04,675 --> 00:07:05,685 Some things that makes you nervous. 155 00:07:05,825 --> 00:07:07,805 And I can imagine, you know, there might be one 156 00:07:07,805 --> 00:07:09,485 or two things that are on your mind there too. 157 00:07:11,125 --> 00:07:12,825 - Uh, absolutely. Yeah. 158 00:07:12,965 --> 00:07:16,185 No, I think, um, and, and makes me nervous. 159 00:07:16,665 --> 00:07:20,425 I is really thinking about, um, as healthcare leaders, 160 00:07:20,685 --> 00:07:24,105 myself included, we are challenged with being able to find 161 00:07:24,165 --> 00:07:26,585 and implement, um, sustainable solutions 162 00:07:27,095 --> 00:07:31,585 that are addressing health outcome inequities, especially 163 00:07:31,685 --> 00:07:33,105 for diverse communities. 164 00:07:34,005 --> 00:07:37,225 It makes me nervous, but it also gives me a passion. 165 00:07:37,925 --> 00:07:40,625 And so when I think about yet Children's Minnesota, 166 00:07:40,695 --> 00:07:44,425 what we are doing, um, that makes me so proud, uh, 167 00:07:44,525 --> 00:07:46,585 in the way we are addressing disparities 168 00:07:46,685 --> 00:07:48,305 and social determin health. 169 00:07:48,775 --> 00:07:52,065 However, I'm nervous about sustainability 170 00:07:52,365 --> 00:07:56,825 for our healthcare system in being able to, um, 171 00:07:56,835 --> 00:07:58,145 close these disparities 172 00:07:58,145 --> 00:08:02,305 because we live in communities of many, um, people 173 00:08:02,965 --> 00:08:04,825 who bring very diverse backgrounds. 174 00:08:04,885 --> 00:08:08,225 So, uh, I'm nervous about can we sustain, 175 00:08:08,365 --> 00:08:10,745 can we find sustainable ways of healthcare 176 00:08:11,325 --> 00:08:12,825 to really close this task? 177 00:08:13,545 --> 00:08:15,665 I think we can, I'm motivated to, 178 00:08:15,965 --> 00:08:17,305 but it also makes me nervous. 179 00:08:19,075 --> 00:08:20,435 - I, I think that's such a great point. 180 00:08:20,575 --> 00:08:23,595 And certainly, you know, it takes, um, time and effort 181 00:08:23,595 --> 00:08:27,195 and resources to make progress, especially, um, in, 182 00:08:27,215 --> 00:08:28,435 in those gaps of care. 183 00:08:28,815 --> 00:08:31,035 And I can imagine there's a lot of different, um, 184 00:08:31,215 --> 00:08:34,195 access points or, or areas that you could focus on. 185 00:08:34,495 --> 00:08:36,635 Is there anything right now, any projects 186 00:08:36,635 --> 00:08:40,355 or initiatives that, um, you know, you're zeroing in on or, 187 00:08:40,355 --> 00:08:43,555 or any segments of, um, whether it's diseases or, 188 00:08:43,555 --> 00:08:45,315 or populations that, you know, 189 00:08:45,315 --> 00:08:46,715 you're really focused on when 190 00:08:46,715 --> 00:08:47,835 you're thinking about health equity? 191 00:08:48,735 --> 00:08:50,875 - Um, as a pediatric system? 192 00:08:51,135 --> 00:08:53,115 Um, I think, you know, we look at, you know, 193 00:08:53,115 --> 00:08:54,275 we talked about access. 194 00:08:54,775 --> 00:08:56,565 Uh, we also look at outcomes 195 00:08:56,945 --> 00:09:00,365 and uh, right now we're looking at immunizations for kids. 196 00:09:00,945 --> 00:09:03,685 Um, and our teams have done a fantastic job 197 00:09:03,705 --> 00:09:06,925 of trying new ways to immunize kids 198 00:09:06,925 --> 00:09:09,965 because we know when we help raise healthier children, 199 00:09:10,545 --> 00:09:14,525 we help our community, we help the next generation. 200 00:09:14,705 --> 00:09:18,245 So, um, I think we look at access and we should, 201 00:09:18,785 --> 00:09:21,645 but immunizations are a big focus for us right now, 202 00:09:22,145 --> 00:09:24,285 and we continue to look at other ways as well. 203 00:09:24,425 --> 00:09:27,445 So, um, and our work here at Children's Minnesota is 204 00:09:27,605 --> 00:09:31,805 building a community collaborative that allows us to know 205 00:09:32,065 --> 00:09:36,045 how we can partner to close this gap. 206 00:09:36,105 --> 00:09:37,725 So we're not doing it alone. 207 00:09:37,905 --> 00:09:41,765 And we have our community teams working with our community, 208 00:09:42,765 --> 00:09:44,845 advising us on how, what we can do best. 209 00:09:44,845 --> 00:09:48,245 So those are my two immunizations collaborations, um, 210 00:09:48,505 --> 00:09:51,245 making sure we're providing access 211 00:09:51,245 --> 00:09:52,765 amongst the list of many other things. 212 00:09:54,075 --> 00:09:55,135 - That's amazing to hear. 213 00:09:55,285 --> 00:09:57,895 Well, before I wrap up here, Caroline, I was wondering, 214 00:09:57,895 --> 00:10:00,295 could you talk about what the most effective healthcare 215 00:10:00,295 --> 00:10:01,895 leaders will need in order 216 00:10:01,895 --> 00:10:04,135 to be successful in the next two to three years or so? 217 00:10:04,135 --> 00:10:06,935 Especially as we think about how healthcare is changing 218 00:10:07,035 --> 00:10:08,655 and some of the new opportunities 219 00:10:08,655 --> 00:10:10,095 that are coming up in the space? 220 00:10:11,535 --> 00:10:12,635 - Yes, thank you. 221 00:10:12,985 --> 00:10:16,155 I'll share the, what I also remind myself of 222 00:10:16,155 --> 00:10:19,555 what makes an effective leader one, uh, is the willingness 223 00:10:19,555 --> 00:10:22,595 to be nimble and to try something different, um, 224 00:10:22,695 --> 00:10:26,075 to innovation in order to solve complex problems. 225 00:10:26,335 --> 00:10:28,795 Um, and, you know, workforce health inequities, 226 00:10:29,245 --> 00:10:30,835 those are complex problems. 227 00:10:31,595 --> 00:10:35,355 I also, you know, um, think that to be an effective leader, 228 00:10:35,935 --> 00:10:40,435 we cannot rely on playbooks of the past, um, as the only way 229 00:10:40,435 --> 00:10:41,475 to solve this issue. 230 00:10:41,615 --> 00:10:43,195 So thinking of different ways in 231 00:10:43,195 --> 00:10:44,235 the next two to three years. 232 00:10:44,795 --> 00:10:48,275 Secondly, as a leader, it's important to center yourself 233 00:10:48,275 --> 00:10:51,155 around, uh, your why or your life's calling. 234 00:10:51,605 --> 00:10:53,875 Leadership is a noble responsibility. 235 00:10:54,425 --> 00:10:58,515 When it gets tough, we'll keep you grounded and committed. 236 00:10:58,915 --> 00:11:01,235 I remind myself of my why often. 237 00:11:01,895 --> 00:11:04,275 And then lastly, can do this alone. 238 00:11:04,475 --> 00:11:06,635 Partnerships, relationships. 239 00:11:07,295 --> 00:11:10,715 It is impossible to address healthcare. Challeng alone. 240 00:11:11,865 --> 00:11:15,915 Find like-minded leaders like you who can be your mentors, 241 00:11:16,595 --> 00:11:18,675 resources, help partners or coaches. 242 00:11:19,915 --> 00:11:22,795 I look for this individual every single day 243 00:11:22,795 --> 00:11:26,635 because I believe that, um, together we are stronger 244 00:11:26,935 --> 00:11:29,435 and we can overcome the challenges that we're facing. 245 00:11:29,935 --> 00:11:31,155 So that would be my advice 246 00:11:31,375 --> 00:11:33,515 for effective leadership over the next few years. 247 00:11:35,615 --> 00:11:36,995 - That's amazing advice and, 248 00:11:36,995 --> 00:11:38,795 and certainly so helpful to know and think about. 249 00:11:39,595 --> 00:11:40,915 Caroline, thank you so much for joining us 250 00:11:40,935 --> 00:11:42,035 on the podcast today. 251 00:11:42,065 --> 00:11:43,795 This has been such a fun conversation. 252 00:11:44,215 --> 00:11:47,315 Um, I really can hear the joy that you bring 253 00:11:47,315 --> 00:11:49,635 to your job every day and passion for what you do. 254 00:11:49,775 --> 00:11:51,515 So I appreciate your time today, 255 00:11:51,515 --> 00:11:53,195 and I look forward to connecting with you again soon. 256 00:11:54,425 --> 00:11:56,645 - All right. Thank you very much, Laura, for having me. 257 00:11:56,645 --> 00:11:58,205 It's been an honest, be part of the podcast.