Sammie Mosier, DHA, MA, BSN, NE-BC Senior Vice President and Chief Nurse Executive
One of the most important responsibilities as Chief Nurse Executive is listening to your needs and advocating for our nurses and nurse leaders. Your voice drives change within our organization and furthers the practice of nursing. As I focus on empowering our leaders to listen to nurse feedback, I want to ensure your feedback results in actionable change.
I’m excited for the second annual Walk in Your World event next month to do just that, listen and affect change. Last year, Walk in Your World gave corporate and facility leaders purposeful time to learn what is working well and what needs to change. Based on that time, our corporate teams were able to put several programs in place that will improve the nursing experience.
One visible result is the new equipment management program that is being implemented over the next year. Equipment availability and location was a challenge for our nurses during their shift. To reduce the burden of locating clean equipment, our corporate leaders created a process that will save our nurses time and energy locating necessary equipment for patient care. Your voice matters and makes a difference at our organization. During the upcoming Walk in Your World event, please communicate processes that could improve or are working well.
Another way I want to advocate for your needs is to create a sense of connection across our organization. Each month, we have profiled nursing leaders from different facilities, divisions, job roles and background. The two nurse leaders below are involved with winning Unit of Distinction units, and I appreciate their work and dedication. The connection and backgrounds from the nurses at HCA Healthcare creates a rich pipeline of nursing talent that sets our organization apart from any other health system.
Frank Lynam is a nurse manager in Florida. Read more about Frank and his career here.
Linda Gray is a CNO in Colorado. Read more about Linda’s career progression here.
I am committed to supporting our nursing teams and advocating for you within our organization and beyond. Thank you.
Nursing Strategy
Federal COVID-19 vaccine requirement ending
Previously, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) mandated that certain healthcare workers provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination or medical or religious exemptions to gain or maintain employment at CMS-certified healthcare facilities.
On June 5, 2023, CMS published a final rule announcing the end of the COVID-19 vaccination requirement set for CMS-certified healthcare facilities. The final rule takes effect on Aug. 4, 2023, 60 days after publication. In alignment with this change, HCA Healthcare has made the decision that starting Aug. 4, 2023, we will no longer require colleagues to upload their COVID-19 vaccinations or medical or religious exemptions.
Click here to read what this means for current and future colleagues.
Equipment Management Program coming
The Equipment Management Program is designed to standardize the process for nurses to locate necessary equipment to provide patient care. This program aims to strengthen equipment management as a whole by creating a collaborative approach from all departments and streamline the equipment location process.
- The Equipment Management Program ensures equipment is available when nurses need it by:
- Designating equipment clean rooms with equipment and maintaining those levels
- Managing capacity for cleaning, repairs and return to “ready-to-use” status
Locating equipment when not readily available in designated clean rooms in an easy, efficient process
Implementing this program will clearly define equipment management roles and responsibilities and reduce the time spent locating equipment. To locate equipment:
- Check the clean room for equipment
- Use the “FindIt” app on your iMobile phone to locate equipment throughout the facility, once the equipment management program is live in your division.
- If the equipment is not available in the designated clean room on your unit, place a ticket through Service Central, and one will be delivered to you.
Your facility leadership will provide more information at the time of implementation.
Enterprise scanner refresh update
In response to feedback and guidance from our nurses and clinicians, medication scanner refreshes are currently underway for the enterprise.
Our progress to date
- Divisions complete: Capital, Central West Texas, East Florida, MidAmerica, North Texas and San Antonio
- Facilities complete: 108
- Scanners installed: 39,000
Long-term technology, efficiency and enhanced support
- Our new scanner equipment is ideal for our HCA Healthcare environment – equipment is heavy-duty with extended shelf and battery life, is easy to implement and is compatible with all EHR platforms, including Expanse.
- At project completion, this effort simplify and standardize support from an equipment perspective.
The ITG Facility Tech Refresh Team expects to have all scanner refreshes complete by year-end 2023
Unit of Distinction winner highlight
- TriStar Horizon Medical Center, Surgical Step Down Pre-Op
- Brigham City Community Hospital, Perinatal
Meet the new Nurse Care Program
Effective July 1, 2023, Nurse Care will be administered by Optum, one of the nation’s largest employers of clinicians.
You provide care, compassion and comfort to others as a nurse. Nurse Care is designed to provide the same for you. When you call Nurse Care, you will speak with a master’s-level specialist specifically trained in the unique needs of healthcare workers. While the provider and phone number are new, the Nurse Care program will continue to provide the same great service and support you can rely on. The care you receive is always:
- Free — There is no cost to you for unlimited Nurse Care counseling services.
- Confidential — Optum does not provide any identifying information to HCA Healthcare.
- Available 24/7/365 — Call any time you need support and have a moment to talk.
Prioritize your mental health
In addition to the eight free counseling visits per year per topic available to all colleagues through Optum Wellbeing, Nurse Care offers three additional free counseling visits.
New online resource
Nurse Care now offers online support as well as phone support. Go to HCANurseCare.com for resources for your growth, resilience and relationships.
You take care of everyone around you. Let us take care of you.
Are you considering pursuing a specialty certification?
Did you know the average cost of a certification prep course is $150? HCA is investing in you and providing you with access to free certification prep. The CertPrep Mobile app is where you can find practice exams and study cards for over 40 specialty certifications. The app is available for both iOS and Android.
Are you on track for the 401(k) plan annual match?
In order to receive the 401(k) Plan annual matching contribution for 2023, you must be actively employed by an HCA Healthcare affiliate and be credited with at least 1,000 hours of service by Dec. 31, 2023. Now that we are almost than halfway through the year, it's a good time to make sure you are on track to receive the match. BConnected is mailing a letter to colleagues who are not currently on track to receive the match. It includes a note that the 1,000 hours must be paid within the calendar year to count towards the service credit. Colleagues with questions can call BConnected at (800) 566-4114.
Career opportunities
New leadership opportunities are posted regularly for internal applicants.
Internal Candidates: InternalCareers.HCAhealthcare.com
Know someone who is perfect for HCA Healthcare? Ask them to go to Careers.HCAhealthcare.com and enter your name in the field for “were referred to this job by an employee.”
Did you know?
HCA Healthcare operates more than 1,590 physician clinics (as of June 30, 2022).
