Anita Hackstedde joined Jim Tressel on the “It’s All About the Team” podcast to discuss how hospitals and educators can attract and retain the next generation of health care professionals.
Hackstedde, president and CEO of Salem Regional Medical Center, said one of the most important ways to recruit people into the medical field is by emphasizing the direct impact health care workers have on patients and families during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
She shared a story from a family member of a terminal patient who thanked hospital staff not only for helping their loved one live, but for helping the family through the process of saying goodbye, describing it as one of the most meaningful moments of her career.
Hackstedde said careers in health care provide opportunities to serve something larger than oneself, adding that people who want to make a difference in the lives of others are often drawn to the profession despite its challenges and demands.
She also emphasized the importance of creating positive workplace cultures where employees feel valued, supported and connected to a shared mission of patient care and teamwork.