Literature Review

Leaders-First Leadership and the 9 Touchstones with Jes Deshields Teleios Collaborative Network (TCN); podcast by Chris Comeaux; 2/12/25 Jes DeShields, founder of Crescent Leadership, discusses her leadership journey, emphasizing the importance of self-discovery, personal stories, and sustainable growth.  She introduces the concept of 'crescendo' in leadership development, which occurs when the journey builds to a key pivot point or impact point. The discussion also covers the significance of integrity in leadership, the balance between confidence and self-reflection, and the leader-first leadership model, which prioritizes leader growth to foster effective organizational change. Then, it delves into the nine touchstones of effective leadership, which are the title of Jes’ book, 9 Leader Touchstones.

Rebuilding trust in medical science: How doctors and scientists can bridge the misinformation divide Association of American Medical Colleges  (AAMC); by Patrick Boyle; 2/11/25 Medical science has not fully recovered from the distrust that erupted among some segments of the public during the COVID-19 pandemic. Skepticism and misinformation about vaccines and other health matters are spreading. Can anyone help doctors and scientists build faith in medical expertise? Reed Tuckson, MD, is trying. Tuckson is cofounder and chair of the Coalition for Trust in Health & Science, a nonprofit that focuses on “ensuring that everyone is empowered to make informed and personally appropriate health decisions … based on accurate, understandable, and evidence-based information.” ...Tuckson recently spoke with AAMCNews about applying what has been learned over the past several years to responding to misinformation and distrust in medical science. ...

Mandated time off for bereavement gaining ground Altoona, PA; by Sarah Boden; 2/10/25 When his father died from COVID-19 in 2020, James Gerraughty didn’t have to choose between working and grieving. That’s because his employer provides three days of paid bereavement for the death of a parent. This gave Gerraughty enough time to drive from the Altoona area to Buffalo, New York, to collect his dad’s remains. ... Not everyone is so lucky. Pennsylvania doesn’t have a universal bereavement leave policy. Employers offer it at their discretion, meaning many workers can experience the death of a loved one but not get time off. Other states have filled this gap in labor law, to varying degrees. California, Colorado, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, Oregon and Washington all mandate some form of bereavement leave. ... It takes time to process a death. So not being able to take off work can threaten a person’s mental health and livelihood, said Nisha Bowman, a social worker in Pittsburgh for Monarch Hospice.[Click on the title's link to continue reading.] Editor's note: For national advocacy for bereavement care, examine Evermore.org.

'Just wonderful': Clients praise benefits of new senior care facility The Winchester Star, Winchester, VA; by Brian Brehm; 2/5/25 Just five months after opening, Blue Ridge Independence at Home is already improving the lives of its clients. Over lunch on Monday, Berryville residents Darlene Hamby and David Rogan talked about their affection for the 15,000-square-foot social and medical support center that began operations in September ... “It’s just wonderful,” said Hamby, who was one of the first four clients to enroll at Blue Ridge Independence at Home (BRIH). ... The new center was created by Blue Ridge Hospice to support a local Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), a national initiative that provides medical and socialization services for people who are 55 or older and can live safely at home. It is one of 14 PACE programs in Virginia.

What do you say to a friend who is dying Equity Atlas; 2/12/25 It’s a situation no one wants to find themselves in – facing the imminent death of a friend. The emotions that come with this can be overwhelming, leaving you at a loss for words. You may find yourself grappling with what to say, how to act, and how to provide support during such a difficult time. In this article, we will explore some insights on what to say to a friend who is dying, as well as provide guidance on how to navigate this delicate and heartbreaking situation.

A CEO’s strategic guide to leading people facing cancer CEO World Magazine; by Joelle Kaufman; 2/10/25 Cancer doesn’t just affect individuals – it impacts entire organizations. As leaders, we must anticipate and prepare for the moment when cancer touches our teams. With over 18 million cancer survivors currently in the U.S. workforce and over 2 million new diagnoses annually, the question isn’t if cancer will affect your organization but when and how you’ll respond. ... The first step will be how you respond when an employee shares that cancer is impacting their life. The second step is how you will manage while cancer is having its impact. ... When we get this right, we build more than just protocols – we build resilient organizations that demonstrate our values through action. In doing so, we create the kind of workplace where people can bring their whole selves, face life’s challenges with dignity, and continue contributing meaningfully to our shared mission. Editor's note: Getting this "right" matters especially for hospice and palliative care organizations. Read this article for both strategic professional guidelines and a personal story from a CMO/business owner.

It’s inoperable cancer. Should AI make call about what happens next? The Harvard Gazette - Harvard University; by Alvin Powell; 2/10/25AI is already being used in clinics to help analyze imaging data, such as X-rays and scans. But the recent arrival of sophisticated large-language AI models on the scene is forcing consideration of broadening the use of the technology into other areas of patient care. In this edited conversation with the Gazette, Rebecca Weintraub Brendel, director of Harvard Medical School’s Center for Bioethics, looks at end-of-life options and the importance of remembering that just because we can, doesn’t always mean we should. When we talk about artificial intelligence and end-of-life decision-making, what are the important questions at play? ...

Best Nurse Practitioner (NP) career and salaries in 2025 AllNurses; by Erin Lee, BSN, RN; 2/7/25 ... Over the years, the scope of practice for NPs has significantly expanded, enabling them to specialize in various healthcare fields and cater to diverse patient populations. NPs now play a vital role in meeting primary care needs and delivering specialized care across a wide range of specialties. Regardless of the chosen specialty, all NPs are advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) who have obtained their master's degree or doctorate in nursing practice, passed a board certification exam, and obtained state licensure to practice. ... The level of autonomy and responsibility NPs have in their professional roles is influenced by state regulations on the scope of practice. Although some states allow NPs to work independently, others require them to be supervised by a healthcare provider or MD. To determine which NP job suits your career goals, it's imperative to understand your state's scope of practice regulations and the responsibilities of the NP specialty you plan to pursue. ..  [Click here for extensive data] from the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) report that shows NPs' annual salaries for 2025. 

UF Health realigns into 3 regions, names new leaders Becker's Hospital CFO Report; by Madeline Ashley; 2/6/25 Gainesville, Fla.-based UF Health has realigned into three geographical areas in Florida and reworked its leadership to help manage patient care programs, services and facility growth. The regions are Northeast Florida, Central Florida and Greater Gainesville, according to a Feb. 6 news release. [Click on the title's link for the following Senior Vice President / Regional President updates:] 

I will permit no man to narrow and degrade my soul by making me hate him. ~ Booker T. Washington 

‘Severe understaffing and sharp cuts’: 2,000 health care workers to picket Providence on Wednesday Euraka Times-Standard, Eureka, CA; by Robert Schaulis; 2/11/25 More than 2,000 health care workers will picket Providence hospitals and health care facilities throughout Northern California this Wednesday. The day of action will take place across six sites throughout the region — four hospitals and two hospices across Humboldt, Napa and Sonoma counties — including Providence St. Joseph Hospital in Eureka. More than 2,000 health care workers represented by the National Union of Healthcare Workers have elected to picket, citing “severe understaffing and sharp cuts to health services in communities that are dependent on Providence for their medical care.” ... Layoffs have also resulted in increased caseloads in areas like Sonoma County, where Providence has laid off hospice workers.

100 Women Who Care present $10,325 to CHI Health at Home Hospice Morrison County Record, Coon Rapids, MN; 2/10/25 CHI Health at Home Hospice of Little Falls, MN is proud to announce and celebrate being one of the selected nonprofits from Morrison County 100 Women Who Care to receive the donation of $10,325.00. “Many of our Hospice services are not covered by insurance including the healing touch by our massage therapist and the beautiful music from our music therapist. We are thrilled to have received these funds from 100 Women Who Care to continue to provide very unique services to our Hospice clients.” – Michele Halvorsen; Director of CHI Health at Home Hospice.