Celebrating Nurses Month: Honoring Extraordinary Compassion and Dedication
May is Nurses Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the invaluable contributions of nurses around the world. At Propelus, we are proud to join hands with The DAISY Foundation to honor the compassion, dedication, and positive impact within the nursing profession. A bit of background The DAISY Foundation stands as a testament to the enduring impact of nursing excellence. Established in 1999, this foundation was born out of a deeply personal journey. J. Patrick Barnes, a young man with a vibrant spirit, tragically lost his life to complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenia Purpura (ITP). Throughout his illness, Patrick’s family witnessed firsthand the remarkable care and compassion provided by nurses. Moved by the profound impact of these nursing professionals, Patrick’s family sought to honor his memory in a meaningful way. They founded The DAISY Foundation, naming it in honor of Patrick’s nickname, “DAISY” (an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System). The foundation’s mission was clear: to recognize and celebrate the extraordinary contributions of nurses who provide compassionate and exceptional care. The cornerstone of The DAISY Foundation’s efforts is the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses. This prestigious award serves as a beacon of recognition for nurses who go above and beyond the call of duty, demonstrating unwavering compassion, skill, and dedication in their care for patients and families. Since its inception, the DAISY Award has been presented to over 200,000 nurses worldwide, shining a spotlight on their remarkable achievements and inspiring others in the nursing community. Recognizing nurses In the United States alone, more than 5.2 million nurses play a pivotal role in promoting community well-being and resilience. These dedicated professionals often sacrifice precious time with loved ones, working tirelessly to provide comfort and care during life’s most challenging moments. And yet, despite the vital role they play in healthcare, the work of nurses is sometimes underappreciated. Here are Propelus (just like at The DAISY Foundation) we are committed to shining a spotlight on the compassion and positive impact within the nursing profession in the month of May and throughout the rest of the year. As part of our mission to power professionals, Propelus is committed to celebrating nursing excellence through our partnership with The DAISY Foundation. We believe that nurses are the unsung heroes of healthcare, providing comfort, support, and care across the continuum of care. As we celebrate Nurses Month, we want to take the time to recognize the recent winners of the DAISY Nurse Leader Award, honored at the American Organization for Nursing Leadership (AONL) conference. Natassia Singh, BSN, RN, CCRN, Karee Nicholson, RN, MSN, CENP, and Ashley Burris, RN, are shining examples of compassionate leadership and dedication to patient care. Their stories of going above and beyond to support their teams and improve patient outcomes are truly inspiring. We invite you to read more about Natassia, Karee, and Ashley, and their remarkable contributions to healthcare on The DAISY Foundation’s website. Throughout the month of May, Propelus will also be sharing content that recognizes and supports nurses. Keep an eye on our Propelus LinkedIn page for more updates! The wrap up Let May be a poignant reminder of the countless lives touched, hearts healed, and differences made by nurses around the world. These compassionate caregivers embody the essence of selflessness, dedicating themselves to the well-being of others with unwavering compassion and skill. Take this moment to come together and celebrate the nurses who bring comfort, healing, and hope to patients and families in their care. They are the unsung heroes of healthcare, working tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the best possible outcomes for those in need. To all nurses, we extend our deepest gratitude for your tireless dedication and unwavering commitment to excellence. Your compassion, kindness, and skill make a world of difference, shaping the future of healthcare and touching lives in ways that words cannot fully express. Thank you for being the heart and soul of healthcare, for your compassion that knows no bounds, and for your unwavering commitment to healing and caring for others. This Nurses Month, and every day, we honor and celebrate you.
ASHHRA 2024: 3 Key Takeaways From the Leading Healthcare HR Conference
Recently, around 300 healthcare HR professionals from across the nation gathered in Fort Worth, Texas, for the American Society for Health Care Human Resources Administration (ASHHRA) Annual Conference and Exposition to learn about the latest trends impacting the HR function in the healthcare work environment. In addition to sharing how our solutions modernize workforce compliance, our Propelus team attended sessions and connected with customers, partners and leaders across the healthcare industry. Across a variety of learning sessions and conversations, the following three key takeaways emerged. 1. Workforce shortages continue to be the biggest HR challenge for healthcare organizations As evidenced by news headlines, the U.S. healthcare industry has been grappling with a severe workforce shortage that is expected to worsen over the next few years. In fact, a recent study projected that more than 6.5 million U.S. healthcare professionals will permanently leave their positions by 2026, while only 1.9 million will step in to replace them. This topic was front and center at ASHHRA 24 and speakers talked about a variety of ways to combat the challenge, including developing innovative internship programs to expand the talent pool, leveraging AI for recruiting, helping delay retirement for career extenders by addressing their unique needs, and how psychological capital (internal resources that can help employees manage through tough situations) plays a role in nurse retention and helps avoid burnout. 2. Creating a positive employee experience takes a multifaceted approach Providing a positive employee experience is more important than ever as healthcare organizations work to nurture a sustainable, healthy workforce – especially as they face workforce shortages. However, given that organizations are also implementing cost-saving measures, ASHHRA speakers emphasized the importance of positioning employee experience initiatives as cost/retention savers versus budget strains. These speakers also covered a variety of ways to provide a positive employee experience, including creating a positive culture focused on kindness, developing workforce safety programs that leverage de-escalation training, using marketing techniques to increase employee engagement, optimizing and harmonizing benefits (especially in merger and acquisition scenarios), streamlining the onboarding process, and taking innovative approaches to employee wellbeing and employee health. Although there weren’t learning sessions focused on recognition, our Propelus team found that many HR leaders are driving recognition through programs like those from The DAISY Foundation, the international leader in meaningful nursing recognition. Propelus is a proud partner of The DAISY Foundation and at our booth, we asked visitors to complete DAISY cards that were tied to a donation for the foundation. As part of this activity, many HR leaders shared how their organizations participate in DAISY Award programs. 3. Support of patient care extends beyond the care team While clinicians are the face of the healthcare organization to the patient, the content shared at ASHHRA 24 made it clear that HR leaders play an essential role in equipping their organizations to provide the best care possible. Every day, healthcare HR leaders are working to equip their healthcare professionals with the resources they need to perform at their highest level – from providing education and training to ensuring they’re compliant, safe and healthy to work. Propelus is here to help healthcare professionals reach their full potential. Through our EverCheck, Immuware and CE Broker solutions, we’re powering professionals by giving them the best tools to achieve professional compliance and ultimately, provide safer healthcare with better outcomes.
CE Broker by Propelus and Texas Medical Board Forge Alliance to Modernize Continuing Education
JACKSONVILLE, Fla., April 30, 2024 – CE Broker by Propelus, the leader in continuing education compliance, is proud to announce its strategic partnership with the Texas Medical Board. This collaboration marks a significant step toward modernizing continuing education management for more than 170,000 licensed professionals in Texas, including 100,000+ physicians. “The Texas Medical Board’s partnership with CE Broker is a win-win for the agency and the licensees it serves,” said Sherif Zaafran, M.D., president of the Texas Medical Board. “Licensees gain a powerful, new tool to help them easily track their continuing education credits, and the Board will enjoy a more modern and efficient approach to ensuring licensee compliance.” “The Texas Medical Board always strives to serve its licensees and the public through efficiencies that help assure compliance with minimum additional burdens,” Zaafran added. The partnership between CE Broker and the Texas Medical Board aims to revolutionize the continuing education process, empowering professionals with the tools they need to understand and easily manage their professional educational requirements proactively. CE Broker’s trusted platform helps streamline communication and collaboration among board staff, licensees, and educational providers. “We are excited to partner with the Texas Medical Board to bring about positive change in continuing education management. This collaboration underscores our shared mission in enhancing safety and ensuring quality health care for the citizens of Texas through licensure, discipline, and education.” – Julie Walker, CEO at Propelus Access to a CE Broker account will be available to licensed physicians in Texas starting in early June, with access for other professionals to follow. The Texas Medical Board will notify professionals by email when their access to CE Broker is available, at which point they can create their accounts at cebroker.com using their Texas license credentials. For more information about CE Broker, visit https://propelus.com/ce-broker. About CE Broker As part of Propelus, CE Broker is modernizing how professionals, their employers, regulators, and associations work better together. For over 20 years, CE Broker has propelled the progress of millions of dedicated professionals along the career journey through its full-lifecycle continuing education management solution. Leveraging innovative technology, essential data, and unparalleled strategic partnerships, we power critical compliance programs for a happier workforce, better operations, and safer communities. Learn more about CE Broker, powered by Propelus, at: https://propelus.com/ce-broker. Newswire news release
Empowering Women in Healthcare
In honor of Women’s History Month, we want to take a moment to officially recognize the invaluable contributions of women to the healthcare industry. Women have played a crucial role in shaping the field of medicine, from pioneering groundbreaking medical advancements to advocating for gender equity in healthcare. Today, women make up 67% of the global health and social care workforce and provide essential health services for around 5 billion people worldwide. Let’s take a look at some of healthcare’s pioneers and innovators. The pioneers Elizabeth Blackwell, MD: In 1849, Elizabeth Blackwell became the first woman in the United States to earn a medical degree. She co-founded the New York Infirmary for Indigent Women and Children to serve the poor, paving the way for future generations of women in medicine. Mary Edwards Walker, MD: Dr. Mary Edwards Walker became the first female surgeon in the U.S. Army during the Civil War, despite facing discrimination and challenges due to her gender. Rebecca Lee Crumpler, MD: Dr. Rebecca Lee Crumpler became the first black American woman to earn a medical degree in 1864. She cared for freed slaves and published a medical book to share her knowledge. Sister Mary Bernard: In 1877, Sister Mary Bernard became the first officially recognized nurse anesthetist, breaking barriers in the field of anesthesia. The innovators Clara Barton: Founder of the American Red Cross, Clara Barton dedicated her life to providing medical care and relief during times of disaster. Gerty Theresa Cori, PhD: Dr. Gerty Theresa Cori became the first woman to win a Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine in 1947 for her discoveries in glucose metabolism. Virginia Apgar, MD: Dr. Virginia Apgar created the Apgar score for assessing newborns’ health, revolutionizing neonatal care. Loretta Ford, EdD, PNP: Co-founder of the first nurse practitioner program, Dr. Loretta Ford expanded the role of public health nurses to focus on illness prevention and health promotion. Patricia Bath, MD: Dr. Patricia Bath invented the Laserphaco Probe for cataract treatment, making cataract surgery more precise and less painful. Antonia Novello, MD: Dr. Antonia Novello became the first woman and the first Hispanic to serve as U.S. surgeon general, focusing on public health issues such as AIDS research and domestic violence. Nancy W. Dickey, MD: Dr. Nancy W. Dickey became the first female president of the American Medical Association, advocating for women’s health issues and healthcare reform. The challenges But despite significant contributions, women in healthcare often encounter various challenges that hinder their professional growth and advancement. Those challenges include: Discrimination Women in healthcare often face discrimination based on their gender. Think: being passed over for promotions, receiving lower salaries compared to their male counterparts, and encountering biased treatment in the workplace. Occupational segregation Women in healthcare are frequently clustered into lower-status and low-paid roles, such as nursing and administrative positions, while men are more likely to occupy higher-paying and leadership roles. This occupational segregation contributes to the gender pay gap and limits women’s opportunities for career advancement. Unequal pay Even though women make up a significant portion of the healthcare workforce, they continue to earn less than men (regardless of roles). This disparity in pay not only affects women’s financial well-being but also perpetuates gender inequality in the workplace. Supporting Strategies To address these challenges and empower women in healthcare, we must all make the conscious decision to implement strategies that promote gender equity and create a more inclusive work environment. Promoting leadership development Providing women with opportunities for leadership development can help them advance in their careers and break through the glass ceiling. Leadership programs tailored to women’s needs can equip them with the skills and confidence to take on leadership roles in healthcare organizations. Mentorship opportunities Mentorship programs can be instrumental in supporting women’s professional growth and development. Pairing women with experienced mentors who can provide guidance, advice, and support can help them navigate the challenges they face in their careers. Networking initiatives Creating networking opportunities for women in healthcare can help them build valuable connections, expand their professional networks, and access new career opportunities. Leveraging technology Technology can be a powerful tool for women in healthcare to manage their careers more effectively, especially for those balancing work and family responsibilities. Tools such as telemedicine, electronic health records, and online learning courses for continuing education can help women stay connected, access resources, and advance their skills. Women in healthcare – the wrap up Empowering women in healthcare is not just about recognizing their achievements but also about addressing the challenges they face and advocating for gender equity in the workforce. At Propelus, our mission is to ensure healthcare professionals reach their full potential, which includes giving them the best tools to achieve professional compliance. Women have made immense contributions to the field of medicine, from pioneering groundbreaking advancements to advocating for better healthcare practices. Together, we cam help all women advance their healthcare careers. This Women’s History Month (and every month), let’s celebrate the accomplishments of women in healthcare and continue working toward a future where gender equity is the norm. Here’s to creating a more equitable and inclusive healthcare workforce for all.
Jessica Dunbar, Chief of Staff of Propelus, Wins Silver Stevie® Award for Maverick of the Year
Jessica Dunbar, Chief of Staff at Propelus, has been honored with the prestigious 2023 Silver Stevie® Award for Maverick of the Year in the 20th annual Stevie® Awards for Women in Business. This accolade is a testament to her exceptional contributions to Propleus. The Stevie® Awards for Women in Business honor the achievements of women executives, entrepreneurs, employees, and the companies they run– worldwide. The Stevie Award has been hailed as the world’s premier business award. Maverick of the Year, a Stevie® Awards for Women in Business category, celebrates female professionals who have instigated positive change within their companies and industries. Dunbar’s strategic foresight in acquiring and implementing Immuware and her dedication to upholding and evolving the company’s culture and values exemplify her role as a transformative leader and a beacon of positive organizational change. “I am deeply honored to receive the Silver Stevie Award for Maverick of the Year. This recognition is not just a reflection of my own efforts but a testament to the incredible team at Propelus and their unwavering dedication to innovation and excellence. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to our organization’s success and proud to be part of a community that celebrates and empowers women leaders. Thank you to the Stevie Awards for this tremendous honor.” – Jessica Dunbar, Chief of Staff at Propelus “As CEO of Propelus, I couldn’t be more proud of Jessica Dunbar’s remarkable achievement in winning the Silver Stevie Award for Maverick of the Year. Jessica’s leadership as Chief of Staff has been instrumental in driving Propelus’s success and shaping our organizational culture. Her innovative thinking, thoughtful urgency, and dedication have propelled us to new heights, and this recognition reaffirms her outstanding contributions to our company. Jessica embodies the values of excellence and perseverance that define Propelus, and we are incredibly fortunate to have her on our team. Congratulations, Jessica, on this well-deserved honor. Your achievement fills us with pride and inspires us all to continue striving for greatness.” – Julie Walker, CEO at Propelus Gold, Silver, and Bronze Stevie® Award winners were determined by the average scores of more than 200 business professionals around the world, working on six juries. Maggie Miller, president of the Stevie® Awards, said, “In its 20th year, the Stevie® Awards for Women in Business received an outstanding body of nominations from women in organizations of all types in 26 nations. We are gratified by how meaningful it is to women to win a Stevie® Award and how impactful it can be on the futures of their careers and their organizations. We congratulate all of this year’s Grand, Gold, Silver, and Bronze Stevie® Award winners for their achievements.” Details about the Stevie® Awards for Women in Business and the list of winners in all categories are available at www.StevieAwards.com/Women. Entries for the 2024 Stevie® Awards for Women in Business will open in May. About Propelus Propelus is modernizing how professionals, their employers, regulators, and associations work better together. For over twenty years, Propelus has propelled millions of dedicated professionals on successful career journeys. Our market-leading, dynamic workforce compliance management technology, full-lifecycle continuing education management software, and unparalleled access and automation of vital primary source verified data simplify total professional management for a happier workforce, better operations, and safer communities. Learn why Propelus is trusted by over 5 million professionals: https://propelus.com/. About the Stevie® Awards Stevie® Awards are conferred in eight programs: the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, the German Stevie Awards, the Middle East & North Africa Stevie Awards, The American Business Awards®, The International Business Awards®, the Stevie Awards for Great Employers, the Stevie Awards for Women in Business, and the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service. Stevie Awards competitions receive more than 12,000 entries each year from organizations in more than 70 nations. Honoring organizations of all types and sizes and the people behind them, the Stevies recognize outstanding performances in the workplace worldwide. Learn more about the Stevie® Awards at http://www.StevieAwards.com.
A Propelus Expression of Sincere Gratitude
At Propelus™, gratitude is more than a mere sentiment; it’s a compass that directs our values and collective actions. It sincerely acknowledges the positive forces shaping our journey – our customers, team, and communities. This genuine appreciation is deeply embedded in our partnership with THE DAISY Foundation™, where we unite to honor the nursing professionals who inspire us all. In this season of reflection, gratitude takes center stage, urging us to look deeper into the core of what drives us. The quieter moments give us pause, allowing us to appreciate the collective journey we’ve embarked upon. We find clarity in these moments of thankfulness, reaffirming why we hold our values so dearly. Gratitude isn’t just for the milestones reached; it’s for the everyday efforts, the challenges that push us, and the lessons learned along the way. As we channel our gratitude into innovation and outcomes, ensuring that every step we take is marked by progress and purpose, we also recognize the power of partnership in amplifying our impact. This brings us to a pivotal collaboration that embodies our commitment to excellence and service: our partnership with THE DAISY Foundation. This partnership celebrates and elevates the calling of nursing – a field where compassion meets skill, and dedication knows no bounds. Through this alliance, we extend our values into the vital realm of healthcare, acknowledging the extraordinary contributions of those who give their all to care for others. Honoring Nurses with The DAISY Foundation Our core values find their highest expression in our alliance with THE DAISY Foundation. We extend a heartfelt thank you to the nursing professionals who embody the spirit of dedication and compassion. Through our partnership, we are honored to shine a bright light on their exceptional care and celebrate the essence of serving and supporting them. The partnership with THE DAISY Foundation is a testament to our core beliefs, bridging the gap between recognizing the excellence in healthcare and the values we hold dear at Propelus. It is a tangible reflection of our gratitude for those who exhibit unparalleled dedication in nursing, a profession that demands skill and heart. Propelus™ is not just a brand or a business – we’re cultivating a culture where gratitude is the foundation of every action we take. In our daily operations, a continuous quest for betterment, and meaningful partnership with THE DAISY Foundation, we see the transformative power of a simple thank you.
Propelus Welcomes New Chief Financial Officer with Extensive Healthcare Industry Expertise
Propelus, a leading dynamic workforce management company in the healthcare, government, and education sectors, is delighted to announce Samantha Young as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Young brings a wealth of deep financial and industry experience to the role, making her appointment a significant milestone for the company. With over 15 years of relevant industry experience and a strategic financial leadership track record within healthcare organizations, Young is strongly positioned to steer Propelus’s financial strategies in this dynamic sector. Before joining Propelus, she held instrumental executive-level and financial positions at respected healthcare technology organizations. “Samantha possesses strong financial expertise, aligns well with our company culture, and has a keen understanding of the critical intricacies involved in healthcare workforce compliance,” said Julie Walker, CEO at Propelus. “She will be invaluable in driving financial strategies and navigating the unique complexities that ensure Propelus is the most trusted dynamic workforce management solution to power our nation’s critical compliance programs and safeguard our communities.” “I am thrilled to join Propelus at this inflection point in the company’s trajectory,” said Young. “Propelus has garnered the trust of state regulators, professionals, and employers due to its deliberate focus on innovation, security, and user experience. Its impressive ecosystem provides immediate value, ensuring the safe and compliant onboarding and continued management of professionals. I look forward to collaborating and partnering with the entire team to accelerate growth.” Young holds a Master’s in Business Administration from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, a bachelor’s degree from the University of Oregon, and a CPA. She is dedicated to applying her extensive healthcare industry experience to Propelus’ vision and mission and to promote workforce GRC excellence. About Propelus Propelus, a workforce management technology leader, is modernizing how dedicated professionals, their employers, regulators, and partners work better together. For over 20 years, Propelus’ solutions — CE Broker, EverCheck, and Immuware — have propelled the careers of millions through its Dynamic Professional Management platform, which provides workforce and talent management solutions. Our innovative technology ensures a safer workforce, streamlines operations, and helps connect the complex workforce ecosystem, powering access to vital data, services, and support with unparalleled strategic partnerships to power our nation’s critical compliance programs and safeguard our communities. Learn why Propelus is trusted by over 5 million professionals: https://propelus.com/.