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Coffee Break

Coffee Break

Breaking the Cycle of Bullying in Healthcare One Cup at a Time.

EP 77: The Secret To Keeping Your Finger On The Pulse Of Your Healthcare Team

Creating a culture of gratitude and visibility is essential for fostering a healthy and respectful healthcare work environment.  In this episode, Paula Schmidt shares her approach to fostering a positive work culture through gratitude, visibility, and open communication. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing employees, addressing workplace concerns through staff rounding and newsletters, and maintaining transparency in decisions on key issues 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! Click this link to the show notes, transcript, and resources: https://healthyworkforceinstitute.com/podcast-episodes/
March 19, 2025

EP 76: Beyond Policies: How Genuine Leadership Transforms Workplace Culture

What does it take to create a truly safe, supportive, and accessible workplace in healthcare where leaders are present, staff feel valued, and workplace violence is actively prevented? In this episode, Stephanie Gedeon discusses leadership accessibility, workplace safety, and fostering a positive work culture through relationship-building, streamlined meetings, and staff engagement. Stephanie emphasized the importance of using a structured framework like Pathway to Excellence and leading with genuine care to create a safe, efficient, and supportive work environment. Tune in to uncover the leadership strategies that drive a thriving work culture! Click this link to the show notes, transcript, and resources: https://healthyworkforceinstitute.com/podcast-episodes/
March 12, 2025

EP 75: Unlock The Secrets To Effective Team Building Through Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence is a critical skill, far exceeding technical intelligence in importance for career advancement and team effectiveness.  In this episode, Dr. Mitch Kusy explores the growing importance of emotional intelligence in healthcare, emphasizing interprofessional team building, leadership skills like boundary reinforcement, and the dynamics between teams. He also breaks down the key components of emotional intelligence (self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management) while highlighting strategies for skill development and the critical role of empathy in coaching and decision-making. Tune in and learn how to cultivate emotional intelligence within yourself and your team to foster a healthier and more productive work environment! Click this link to the show notes, transcript, and resources: https://healthyworkforceinstitute.com/podcast-episodes/
March 5, 2025

EP 74: Building Stronger Nurse Leaders: Addressing Conflict, Respect, and Team Dynamics

Confidence, clear communication, and professionalism are essential for navigating complex healthcare leadership challenges. In this episode, Dr. Renee Thompson offers practical solutions to nursing leadership challenges, such as workplace disrespect and managing difficult team members. She emphasizes the importance of assertive communication, professional boundaries, and confident leadership to strengthen team dynamics.  Dr. Renee Thompson shares strategies for nurse managers to address leadership challenges, foster respect, manage conflicts, and improve team dynamics! Click this link to the show notes, transcript, and resources: https://healthyworkforceinstitute.com/podcast-episodes/
February 26, 2025

EP 73: Taking Ownership: Creating Drama-Free Workplaces

By fostering ownership and addressing challenges constructively, leaders can create a drama-free workplace where individuals feel empowered and engaged. In this episode, Dennis McIntee highlights that workplace drama often stems from a lack of ownership and "choice poverty" and emphasizes the importance of empowering teams by shifting language and viewing emotions as raw material to be processed. Leaders can reduce drama by coaching thinking instead of feelings, encouraging self-directed problem-solving, confronting issues with care to build trust and clarity, and by practicing self-awareness and accountability, as team dynamics often reflect a leader's blind spots. Tune in for game-changing insights on taking ownership, coaching effectively, and creating a culture where collaboration and clarity replace conflict and chaos! Click this link to the show notes, transcript, and resources: https://healthyworkforceinstitute.com/podcast-episodes/
February 19, 2025

EP 72: Strategies for Recruitment, Retention, and Resilience

What does it take to lead with purpose, retain top talent, and inspire a culture of collaboration in the face of unprecedented challenges? In this episode, Dr. Janice Walker discusses how COVID-19 disrupted recruitment and retention, leading her to implement a candidate-centric approach with measurable metrics. She also emphasizes building strong relationships and a supportive culture to develop future leaders and retain talent, highlighting the importance of embracing purpose and fostering collaboration for long-term success in the nursing profession. Tune in for powerful insights on building resilient teams, fostering psychological safety, and celebrating the meaningful work that keeps nursing at the heart of healthcare! Click this link to the show notes, transcript, and resources: https://healthyworkforceinstitute.com/podcast-episodes/
February 12, 2025

EP 71: Empowering Nurse Leaders: Setting Boundaries and Finding Support

Nurse leaders are facing unprecedented challenges, but what if the key to thriving lies in setting boundaries, building community, and redefining leadership expectations? In this episode, Lori Gabriel Gunther discusses the challenges neonatal and perinatal nurse leaders face, stressing the importance of leadership support, work-life balance, and a solution-focused workplace culture. She highlights how Synova provides leadership education and community support while encouraging nurse leaders to set boundaries, advocate for their needs, and prioritize well-being to create a more sustainable and fulfilling career. Tune in for powerful insights and practical strategies to create a healthier, more sustainable work culture! Click this link to the show notes, transcript, and resources: https://healthyworkforceinstitute.com/podcast-episodes/
February 5, 2025

EP 70: Leadership Q&A with Renee: Your Questions, My Answers

Are you ready to tackle the toughest workplace challenges and become a more confident, effective leader? In this episode, Dr. Renee Thompson addresses leadership challenges and offers practical strategies for workplace issues, emphasizing the importance of countering negativity with positivity and building trust. She distinguishes bullying from incivility and stresses the value of clear communication, proactive leadership, and understanding workplace dynamics to foster a healthier organizational culture. Join Renee for her new monthly Q&A series, where she'll answer your burning questions and share actionable strategies to create a positive, thriving work environment! If you want to enter a question for Renee to answer on the podcast, please email wecare@healthyworkforceinstitute.com Click this link to the show notes, transcript, and resources: https://healthyworkforceinstitute.com/podcast-episodes/
January 29, 2025
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Coffee Break

A podcast for healthcare leaders who have had enough of the bullying; the incivility, the he-said-she-said, and other shenanigans in their departments and want to cultivate a high-performing, respectful, and healthy professional team.

In each episode, we provide practical tools and strategies for addressing workplace bullying and incivility, fostering a culture of respect and civility, and building trust and collaboration among the healthcare team.

When leaders are equipped with the skills and tools that they need to address disruptive behaviors, employees are more engaged, happier, and better serve patients and each other. This results in high-performing teams with increased retention and improved patient outcomes.

Host

Dr. Renee Thompson, DNP, RN, FAAN, CSP

Dr. Renee Thompson, DNP, RN, FAAN, CSP

Renee grew up in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, the oldest of 5 kids. There was never a dull moment in the Rossi home as her parents provided anyone in need a seat at the dinner table and sometimes a place to stay. Renee’s father had a strong work ethic (still does) and worked hard to provide for his family. Her mom kept everyone fed, watered, clothed, and is extremely kind, generous, and loving. Renee acquired her drive to accomplish everything she could in this one precious life and her passion for helping others from her parents.

Adulting didn’t come easy for Renee at first. She married young and had two kids right away, without the means to provide for them. One day she looked around and decided she wanted a better life for her girls and for herself. So, she got her associate degree in nursing at a local community college, then got her bachelors, masters, and finally, in 2015, received her doctoral degree in nursing. Along the way, she divorced her first husband and married the man of her dreams. Together, Ashley and Renee have built a life that they love.

Ten years ago, Renee took a leap of faith, quit a really great job that she loved, and started her own business. The business started basically as Renee – a speaker. Fast-forward to today, and she’s expanded the business beyond just her and now enjoys watching her company develop into an institute that serves numerous clients around the globe.

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