A Panel Discussion at the California Ambulance Association's Annual Convention
The healthcare industry is grappling with a persistent and growing challenge: the staffing shortage. At the recent California Ambulance Association (CAA) Conference, a panel of industry leaders convened to discuss this critical issue and explore potential solutions. The panel, moderated by Royal Ambulance CEO Steve Grau, brought together diverse perspectives from across emergency medical services to address the question: "What keeps you up at night?"
The Panelists: A Cross-Section of Healthcare Leadership:
- Sean Burrows, EMT-P: Captain of the Alameda County Fire Department and Chair of the EMSA Commission
- Nick Clay: Director of the Santa Clara County EMS Agency and Past-President of EMSAAC
- Alex Hamilton, MBA: Fire Chief of the Oxnard Fire Department, representing CALChiefs
- Dr. Zita Konik, M.D, FAEMS: EMS Medical Director for Alameda County and President-Elect of EMDAC
- Sheree Lowe: Vice President of Policy at the California Hospital Association
- Steve Grau: CEO of Royal Ambulance and Vice President of the California Ambulance Association
The Core Challenge: Attraction and Retention
A common thread emerged throughout the discussion: the struggle to not only attract new talent but also to retain and engage current healthcare professionals. This challenge spans across hospitals, fire departments, and ambulance services, highlighting the need for industry-wide collaboration.
Key Insights from the Panel
1. Systemic Approach Required: Dr. Konik emphasized the need for a comprehensive strategy addressing training and mental health support for healthcare professionals.
2. Leadership's Role: Chief Hamilton stressed the importance of creating a positive workplace culture to boost team cohesion and morale.
3. Regulatory Considerations: Clay highlighted the need for coordinated advocacy efforts to address regulatory barriers and improve working conditions.
4. Adapting Post-Pandemic: Lowe shared how healthcare organizations are developing better support systems and workforce development initiatives in response to the pandemic's impact.
5. Investing in People: Grau advocated for a people-first approach, showcasing how private ambulance services can invest in their staff to improve engagement and retention.
One of our Staffing Approaches: The Career Bridge Program™
At Royal, we've developed the Career Bridge Program to address these challenges head-on. Our program offers:
- Comprehensive training
- Mentorship opportunities
- Clear career progression pathways
By focusing on long-term career development, we aim to transform healthcare roles from jobs into fulfilling career choices.
The Importance of Engagement and Community
A key takeaway from the panel was the critical role of engagement in staff retention. At Royal, we prioritize:
- Continuous education
- Leadership development
- Creating a supportive work environment
Our goal is to foster a sense of community and connection among our team members, making their work more meaningful and rewarding.
Moving Forward: Collaboration is Key
The staffing crisis in healthcare is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach. No single organization can solve it alone. The panel discussion underscored the importance of:
- Sharing innovative ideas
- Learning from diverse experiences
- Collaborating across different sectors of healthcare
At Royal, we're committed to being part of the solution. By investing in our people, creating growth opportunities, and fostering a culture of connection, we aim to make a significant impact on the healthcare staffing landscape.
Conclusion: It's All About People
What emerged from the conversation at the CAA Conference is that no single organization or sector can solve the staffing crisis alone. It’s going to take collaboration, shared innovation, and a commitment to creating better systems for supporting healthcare workers.
We are committed to being part of the solution. By investing in our people, building pathways to career growth, and fostering a culture of connection, we believe we can make a real difference. We will continue working alongside industry leaders to push forward new ideas, learn from one another, and create a healthcare workforce that is sustainable, resilient, and deeply engaged.
Because in healthcare, it’s always about the people – the ones we care for, and the ones who make that care possible.