Literature Review

Do you feel like an emotional sponge? Here’s how to protect your energy and refocus Real Simple; by Nandini Maharaj; 3/1/26 It’s possible to stay compassionate without feeling drained—experts explain how. ... [There's] a difference between healthy forms of distraction—like going for a walk or taking deep breaths—and unhealthy habits. We asked mental health experts about healthy and unhealthy distractions and how to protect your energy when you’re feeling like an emotional sponge.

Infographic: Compliance you can’t ignore HR Daily Advisor Staff; by HR Daily Advisor Staff; 1/21/26 In the age of AI and remote work, HR leaders are dealing with tough compliance challenges, and they must have strategies to keep everything straight and in order for their organizations. Want to learn best practices and what HR leaders should do right now to deal with compliance issues such as AI governance, leave laws, classifying workers, remote and global jurisdictional risk, data privacy, and employee monitoring/surveillance? Check out our infographic to ensure you’re as proactive as possible.

Forbes: 2026 America's best large employers and America's best midsize employers Forbes; by Rachel Rabkin Peachman; 2/10/26 ... The annual rankings were based primarily on survey responses from more than 217,000 employees working at companies within the U.S. that employ more than 1,000 people. ... As with all Forbes lists, companies pay no fee to participate or be selected. ... [Healthcare organizations listed in the top 50 organizations include the following, with rankings among all industries: ...]

10 healthcare workforce challenges defining 2026 Becker's Hospital Review; by Laura Dyrda; 2/24/25 ... When Becker’s asked 103 healthcare leaders, “What do you anticipate being the most pressing workforce challenge in 2026, and how are you preparing to address it?” the responses revealed an industry preparing for permanent redesign. Across all 103 responses, 10 themes stood out. ...

Hollywood Health System, Inc. announces major expansion of palliative care services amid record demand The America Watch, Toluca, CA; Press Release; 2/20/26 Hollywood Health System, Inc. (HHS), a leading provider of comprehensive post-acute clinical care, today announced a significant increase in patient enrollment within its Palliative Care Services division. To meet this rising demand due to shifting demographics, the company is methodically expanding its clinical staffing and specialized resources, reinforcing its commitment to high-quality supportive care. ... To support the growing patient census, Hollywood Health System, Inc. has increased its clinical headcount by 25% over the last two quarters. 

‘Mass layoffs’ at PeaceHealth include hospice staff Hospice News; by Holly Vossel; 2/18/26 PeaceHealth has announced the elimination of 94 positions across its facilities in Washington state, effective on April 12, 2026. The impacted locations include the PeaceHealth Whatcom Hospice House and medical, surgical and cancer centers, among other facilities. PeaceHealth recently submitted a statement to the Washington Employment Security Department, which included a formal notice of workforce reduction that included “mass layoffs” as defined under state regulations. State requirements stipulate that businesses must provide 60 days notice prior to these types of layoffs under the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act. 

Beyond the picket lines: Why nursing strikes signal a need for systemic solutions Healthcare Business Today; by Eric L. Race; 2/15/26 The recent nursing strikes in New York City are making headlines, but they represent something much larger than a single labor dispute. Across the country, healthcare workers are voicing concerns that go far beyond compensation. When nurses walk picket lines, their signs tell a more complex story:

First union contract ratified for UVM hospice workers ABC22/FOX44, Burlington, VT; Press Release; 2/10/26 UVM Home Health and Hospice workers have ratified their first union contract. The vote was 72-1 to ratify the contract, more than six months after employees first voted to form a union in June. They named their union “Hospice United.” ... According to AFT Vermont, which represents 11,000 workers in healthcare and higher education, the agreement will mean a 17% increase in wages over the two and half years of the contract, and also makes accommodations for the rest of UVM Home Health potentially choosing to unionize in the future.

Spreading the principles of palliative care to all corners Health Affairs; by Jessica Nutik Zitter; 2/2/26 My daughter Sasha is a first-year medical student. ... Most recently, she has been envisioning herself as a palliative care physician. She tells me it may be the only specialty that will allow her to practice her values. As a long-time palliative care physician who has acted as an evangelist for the specialty, I surprised myself with a reflexive response. “I’m not sure that’s the best choice for you,” I said. ... Something needs to change—for our patients and for ourselves. ... I propose several strategies ...

Another strike sends 31,000 Kaiser Permanente health care workers to picket lines AP, U.S. News, Oakland, CA; 1/27/26 An estimated 31,000 registered nurses and other front-line Kaiser Permanente health care workers launched an open-ended strike this week in California and Hawaii to demand better wages and staffing from the health care giant. The picketing that began Monday marked the second major walkout in recent months by employees represented by the United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals. A five-day strike in October ended with negotiations resuming, but talks broke down in December. This week the union accused Kaiser of refusing to return to national bargaining discussions.

Meant to Be: Denise's journey into hospice nursing The McKenzie, Tennessee Banner; 1/27/26 When Denise lost her husband, Tony, to leukemia at only 39, her world shifted forever. She was 29. ... In her thirties, ... she enrolled in nursing school, determined to rebuild her own story, one chapter at a time. ...Then came a nursing hospice opportunity. ... For Denise, hospice nursing isn't about endings; it's about helping families find peace, honesty, dignity, and hope in the final chapter. She carries the responsibility with deep reverence. "We're the last chapter," she says softly. "And if that chapter ends poorly, a lot of it is on us." ... Denise's journey reminds us that sometimes the hardest heartbreaks lead us to the most meaningful callings. Editor's Note: [Full access to this may require a subscription.] What personal life experiences brought many of your clinicians to end-of-life care? You may be surpised how little you know about them; what brings meaning and purpose for them; how seeing their journeys inspires you in your leadership role.

Briana Kohlbrenner: End-of-life care is under threat - as demand for hospice grows, workers say staffing and pay must keep paceVTDigger, Vermont; commentary by Briana Kohlbrenner; 1/27/26 As demand for hospice grows, workers say staffing and pay must keep pace. University of Vermont Home Health and Hospice (UVMHHH) is at a crossroads. As Vermont’s population ages, the demand for hospice care is growing. ... We are asking for fair and transparent pay scales, safe staffing and equity within the UVM Health system. Though we wear the same logo on our badges, we are paid less than our counterparts in other parts of the UVM Health system. A new nurse starting at UVM Home Health and Hospice earns $6.72 less per hour than a new nurse at the UVM Medical Center.