CarePoints

In this episode of CarePoints, Kenny Schiff sits down with healthcare technology leader, Steve Tyler, to discuss why less is more when it comes to clinical communication tools. Learn how aligning technology with real clinician workflows—not just adding more features—can reduce alert fatigue, improve staff efficiency, and enhance patient safety. From the importance of user-centered design to the role of AI and data integration, this episode breaks down what it takes to build healthcare technology that truly supports care teams and drives better outcomes. This Episode's Guests Steve Tyler Formerly CTO at Vocera and Extension Healthcare, and VP at TigerConnect, Tyler specializes in building scalable, user-centered tools that support clinicians and improve care delivery. Passionate about aligning technology with real-world needs, Steve helps organizations design solutions that make healthcare safer, smarter, and more efficient. Connect: Website Key Takeaways Effective healthcare technology should align with clinician workflows, not just add more features—tools must reduce burden and improve patient outcomes. Feature overload is often fear-driven, leading to unnecessary alerts and inefficiency; instead, solutions should be based on real problems and situational awareness. Strong infrastructure is essential, as reliable networks and seamless integration form the foundation for successful clinical tools. User-centered design and product integrity are key, ensuring solutions are built with direct clinician input and only include features that truly add value. AI and data tools hold promise, but must be thoughtfully integrated to support—not replace—clinicians, relying on high-quality data and real-world testing to be effective. Connect with Lone Star Communications ☑️ Follow us on YouTube and LinkedIn. ☑️ Let us know what topics you would like to hear about on CarePoints with Kenny Schiff by emailing us at info@lonestarcom.com. CarePoints with Kenny Schiff by Lone Star Communications is a series of conversations with his collaborators at Lone Star, customers, partners, and notable folks in the healthcare and educational technology industries. For over 33 years, Lone Star Communications has been focused on transforming healthcare and education through innovation.

Podcast Episode Summary In this episode of CarePoints, Kenny Schiff chats with Kassaundra McKnight-Young about how technology is transforming healthcare with real-time data, wearable devices, and innovative solutions. Together, they explore how these advancements improve patient safety, speed up care, and enhance the overall healthcare experience. This Episode's Guests Kassaundra McKnight-Young Healthcare CNIO Industry Principle for Zebra Technologies With 30 years of experience in healthcare, Kassaundra is committed to driving nursing excellence through technology integration, championing patient safety, staff empowerment, and healthcare innovation. Known for her collaborative approach and problem-solving skills, she thrives in dynamic environments where innovation meets real-world application. Connect: LinkedIn Key Takeaways Advancements in technology now allow healthcare professionals to access real-time data, enabling quick responses to patient needs. This ensures faster decision-making and improved care delivery. Wearables such as smartwatches and fitness trackers continuously monitor health metrics like heart rate and sleep patterns. These devices provide valuable insights into a patient's health, allowing for proactive interventions before issues escalate. Telehealth and virtual consultations are growing rapidly, expanding access to healthcare, especially in rural or underserved areas. These solutions allow patients to receive medical attention without the need for travel, saving time and reducing healthcare costs. Automation tools and predictive analytics are being implemented to streamline hospital operations, from scheduling to resource management. These technologies enhance efficiency and contribute to better patient outcomes. By integrating artificial intelligence, machine learning, and advanced data analysis, healthcare systems are becoming more accurate in diagnosing conditions and predicting potential risks, leading to better patient safety and long-term health outcomes. Connect with Lone Star Communications ☑️ Follow us on YouTube and LinkedIn. ☑️ Let us know what topics you would like to hear about on CarePoints with Kenny Schiff by emailing us at info@lonestarcom.com. CarePoints with Kenny Schiff by Lone Star Communications is a series of conversations with his collaborators at Lone Star, customers, partners, and notable folks in the healthcare and educational technology industries. For over 33 years, Lone Star Communications has been focused on transforming healthcare and education through innovation.

Episode Summary In this episode of CarePoints, Kenny Schiff chats with Patti Artley and Amy Ricords about the challenges and successes of hospital technology adoption. They emphasize involving frontline staff in tech decisions, bridging gaps between purchasing and implementation, and the importance of thorough planning and ongoing education. The episode also explores the potential of data integration and AI in enhancing patient care and hospital efficiency. This Episode's Guests: Amy Ricords Vice President of Customer Relationship Peak Outcomes Amy's expertise lies in understanding client challenges and ensuring that technology solutions enhance patient care and operational efficiency. Passionate about the transformative potential of AI in healthcare, she is dedicated to balancing technological advancements with streamlined processes to improve outcomes for both patients and clinicians. Connect: LinkedIn Patti Artley Chief Clinical Officer and Chief Nursing Officer at Medical Solutions Patti's leadership is characterized by a commitment to evidence-based practices and the advancement of healthcare quality through innovative solutions. She is a strong advocate for enhancing data integration within healthcare systems, emphasizing the importance of collaboration with health information experts to drive meaningful improvements in patient care and clinical workflows. Connect: LinkedIn Key Takeaways Involving frontline staff in identifying challenges and solutions is crucial for successful technology adoption, as it ensures the tech addresses real needs. Clear communication between purchasing and implementation teams prevents disconnects that can hinder success. Dedicating significant time to planning (60%) over implementation (10-20%) leads to better outcomes and smoother rollouts. Continuous training and collaboration with vendors are essential for effective, sustained technology use. This ongoing partnership helps adapt to updates and ensures tech solutions remain beneficial long-term. Establishing clear metrics before implementation is critical for tracking ROI and assessing effectiveness. Better data integration optimizes patient care and operational efficiency by allowing systems to work cohesively. Involving health information experts can enhance interoperability, maximizing technology's potential. Technology alone doesn't transform healthcare; effective integration and thoughtful utilization are what drive meaningful change. By focusing on strategic use, hospitals can maximize technology's impact on patient care. Connect with Lone Star Communications ☑️ Follow us on YouTube and LinkedIn. ☑️ Let us know what topics you would like to hear about on CarePoints with Kenny Schiff by emailing us at info@lonestarcom.com. CarePoints with Kenny Schiff by Lone Star Communications is a series of conversations with his collaborators at Lone Star, customers, partners, and notable folks in the healthcare and educational technology industries. For over 32 years, Lone Star Communications has been focused on transforming healthcare and education through innovation

Podcast Episode Summary In this episode of CarePoints, Kenny Schiff chats with Stryker's Peter Kraslawsky and Lone Star Communication's Jonathon Murphy, where they discuss the integration of Stryker's Vocera wearable communications platform with Rauland's educational platform, Telecenter U—an integration that aims to enhance communication and life safety in educational institutions. Their discussion covers the features, benefits, and use cases of the integration, as well as the future of the Vocera solution in schools. This Episode's Guests Peter Kraslawsky Manager - Strategic Partnerships, Stryker Peter is a seasoned professional at Stryker, where he leverages his extensive expertise in healthcare and educational technology and solutions to drive innovation and improve patient outcomes and school safety. With a strong background in product development and strategic management, Peter has successfully led numerous projects that enhance operational efficiency and support healthcare and educational professionals. His dedication to excellence and passion for advancing medical technology make him a valuable asset to Stryker, the healthcare and education industries. Connect: LinkedIn Jonathon Murphy Technology Innovation Specialist, Lone Star Communications Jonathon began working for Lone Star in 2000 and has worked in almost every department—starting in installation, then as a service technician, and eventually in IT. As a service technician and system programmer, he gained valuable experience in building direct customer relationships, which led to a position as an education sales representative and his current role as a technology innovation specialist. Key Takeaways Lone Star's integration of Vocera with Rauland's Telecenter U provides a comprehensive solution for communication, emergency response, and security in educational settings, addressing the limitations of traditional communication and life safety platforms. The Vocera solution offers voice-enabled communication and mobility, allowing teachers and staff to initiate lockdowns and emergency protocols from anywhere within the school. The future of Vocera solutions in education involves streamlining workflows, integrating various communication modalities, and enhancing security measures to create a comprehensive fabric of protection for teachers and students. The partnership between Stryker and Lone Star Communications offers a cost-effective and flexible solution that covers multiple communication needs in educational institutions, providing a one-size-fits-all approach to communication and emergency response. Chapters [00:23] Introduction to the Stryker-Lone Star partnership [02:15] Exploring the Vocera solution for education [03:20] Vocera vs. traditional communication and life safety platforms [05:52] Integration of Vocera and Telecenter U for emergency communication [08:27] Examples of voice-enabled mobility and lockdown initiation [12:58] Capabilities and advantages of Vocera over walkie-talkies [14:04] Comprehensive communication solutions for educational institutions [15:56] The four pillars of security and the future of Vocera [18:27] Built-in voice command scenarios [21:00] How to find out more about Stryker and Vocera Connect with Lone Star Communications ☑️ Follow us on YouTube and LinkedIn. ☑️ Let us know what topics you would like to hear about on CarePoints with Kenny Schiff by emailing us at star@lonestarcom.com. CarePoints with Kenny Schiff by Lone Star Communications is a series of conversations with his collaborators at Lone Star, customers, partners, and notable folks in the healthcare and educational technology industries. For over 32 years, Lone Star Communications has been focused on transforming healthcare and education through innovation.

Episode Description In today's episode, Kenny Schiff sits down with Myron Wallace, founder of Cirkel Consulting Group, and discusses the challenges healthcare organizations face when integrating new mobile devices into their facilities. Myron provides insights into the differences in implementation between iPhones and purpose-built devices such as Zebra and Spectralink, the special technology requirements of a hospital environment, and how organizations without the proper infrastructure in place can prepare themselves for a secure and effective rollout. Episode Summary In this episode of CarePoints, Kenny Schiff chats with Myron Wallace, founder of Cirkel Consulting Group, about mobile device integration in healthcare. They discuss the challenges and considerations in selecting and deploying mobile devices, particularly iPhones and purpose-built devices. They also explore the shortcomings of Epic in collaboration and communication and the importance of integrating alarms and notifications from various systems. Myron emphasizes the need for organizations to assess their readiness, consolidate technologies, and have a clear roadmap for device and platform selection. He also highlights the value of working with experienced consultants in the healthcare industry. The Episode's Guest Myron Wallace Founder & Principal Consultant, Cirkel Consulting Group Myron has been at the forefront of revolutionary business solutions for over 20 years. He has led teams to build technologies that have enabled tech start-ups to launch into the market, changed how businesses operate, and transformed how they communicate both internally and with their customers. His career spans product leadership experience within start-up and hyper-growth technology firms, such as TigerConnect, Alianza, consultant for various unified communications providers, and Halo Health. He's a Senior Director and Product Line Executive at TigerConnect, where he drives the innovation of next-generation collaboration products for healthcare clients while continually optimizing product development and implementation practices and processes. Connect: LinkedIn Key Takeaways Mobile device integration in healthcare requires careful consideration of the existing internal network before selecting the next device and platform. Integrating alarms and notifications from various systems is a complex, often overlooked challenge. Purpose-built devices, unlike iPhones or Android, offer advantages in healthcare environments such as durability and specialized features. Organizations should assess their readiness and be prepared to consolidate technologies and have a clear roadmap for device and platform selection. Consolidation, workflow optimization, and vendor consolidation are crucial for the new enterprise. Getting help from healthcare integration experts can ensure successful device integration and infrastructure management. Chapters [00:00] Introduction [00:58] Mobile Device Integration Journey [06:35] Challenges with iPhone and Purpose-Built Devices [07:57] Device Management and Infrastructure [09:21] Considerations for Sustainable Solutions [10:17] Challenges with Purpose-Built Devices [11:14] Voice Calling Capabilities and Enterprise Communication [12:42] Complexities of Healthcare Architecture [13:36] Shortcomings of Epic in Collaboration and Communication [15:02] Consolidation and Workflow Optimization [18:24] Hybrid Approach and Vendor Consolidation [20:49] Considerations for the New Enterprise [22:12] Operationalizing Devices and Infrastructure [23:41] Getting Help from Healthcare Integration Experts [24:11] Introduction to Cirkel Consulting Group [25:38] Conclusion Connect with Lone Star Communications Follow us on YouTube and LinkedIn. Let us know what topics you would like to hear about on CarePoints with Kenny Schiff by emailing us at star@lonestarcom.com. CarePoints with Kenny Schiff by Lone Star Communications is a series of conversations with his collaborators at Lone Star, customers, partners, and notable folks in the healthcare industry. For over 33 years, Lone Star Communications has been focused on transforming healthcare through innovation and empowering improved caregiver and patient experiences.

Episode Summary Carl Cox and Kyryll Keydanskyy are a bit of an unlikely pair. With over fifty years of experience in the healthcare industry, Carl was a key player in early nurse call system innovation in the 1970s. Because he's seen how far healthcare technology has come since then, he has a firm grasp on what is already working well for caregivers and healthcare delivery organizations (HDOs). Kyryll, on the other hand, is of a younger generation — he sees HDOs moving toward a more hospitality-inspired model in the coming years. As the Director of Engineering and Chief Product Officer of HatchMed, respectively, Carl and Kyryll are both committed to improving the usability and accessibility of consumer devices for patients in hospital settings. Kyryll notes that while it can be tempting to rush into overhauling medical technology like nurse call systems, that level of disruption is often unnecessary and can even be detrimental to existing workflows. That's why HatchMed is on a mission to effectively adapt familiar consumer devices for healthcare settings. Carl and Kyryll are facilitating communication between patients and caregivers by pioneering patient-focused tablet solutions, some of which allow patients to use their own devices to control their environment and communicate with nurses. In this episode of CarePoints with Kenny Schiff, Carl and Kyryll discuss numerous exciting and innovative HatchMed technologies. With a laser focus on improving the patient experience and supporting caregivers, HatchMed is out to prove that innovation sometimes requires working with what's already in place, rather than uprooting existing structures and replacing them with entirely new systems. Featured on the Episode Name: Carl Cox What he does: Carl Cox is the Director of Engineering and Quality Control at HatchMed, with 50 years of design experience and 40 years of regulatory experience in the healthcare communication industry. Having spent much of this time with Chicago-based manufacturer Rauland-Borg, Carl began consulting in 2017, taking on HatchMed as a client before joining the company three years later in a full-time role. Organization: HatchMed Words of wisdom: "That's one of the areas that we're focusing on: being able to give patients the same easy-to-use and familiar-to-use devices they use at home but that they can operate inside the hospital." Connect: LinkedIn Name: Kyryll Keydanskyy What he does: Since Kyryll Keydanskyy, a Ukraine native and UW graduate, first joined HatchMed 7 years ago, he has been focused on taking consumer devices and reengineering them for healthcare use. How do you transform something as ubiquitous and easy to use as an iPad into a medical device or take the patient's own phone and make it seamlessly control the nurse call system? Kyryll has created innovative hardware and software solutions to revolutionize these products for patients and care team members alike. A self-proclaimed tech fanboy, he is passionate about working alongside his design and engineering team to invent products that are intuitive to use, elegantly engineered, and most importantly, created to save both patients and care team members time at every step in their healthcare journey. Organization: HatchMed Words of wisdom: "Any new tech that we introduce to the hospitals needs to be balanced and integrated in a way that works with the existing systems and doesn't force the care teams to become IT people." Connect: LinkedIn Key Points Top takeaways from this episode Aim to enhance existing systems, rather than overhaul them. Instead of completely gutting existing systems that work well, HatchMed augments nurse call systems and facilitates communication between patients and caregivers. Not only is this strategy more cost-effective than more drastic options, but it also allows care teams to continue using technologies that have been working for them without needing to be retrained. Zero in on the "why" of implementing innovations. HDOs that are interested in implementing HatchMed technologies need to ask why they want or need an upgrade — this helps HDOs focus on the features that matter to staff and patients. "How do we save the nurses' time? And how do we get patients home sooner and, ideally, happy?" asks Kyryll. Ultimately, HatchMed has experienced great success with HDOs that are committed to providing exceptional care for their patients while lightening caregivers' mental and physical load. Don't be afraid to start small and expand from there. Kyryll emphasizes that new technology needs a champion, and that champion needs a concrete plan for tech implementation. He recommends starting by rolling out a handful of impactful features and expanding the scope of the project down the road. Problems arise when HDOs want "to do everything all at once," he says. Episode Insights [00:00] Combining experience and fresh ideas: Carl Cox and Kyryll Keydanskyy share their professional backgrounds and how they came to work together on numerous HatchMed technologies. [03:12] Balancing new tech with current systems: There's always going to be a drive to implement new tech, but an overhaul may not be the ideal solution. Carl and Kyryll are committed to helping hospitals integrate patient-friendly tech into their existing structures. [05:06] Prioritizing the patient: Nurse call systems have come a long way since the 1970s. What hasn't progressed as rapidly or as steadily is communicative technologies that allow the patient to speak with their care team. That's where HatchMed comes in. [08:02] Increasing access to actionable data: Improving the flow of information between patients and caregivers can pay off in many ways. HatchMed technologies not only better the patient experience but also save time for nurses and help patients transition from the hospital to home. [09:20] Enhancing rather than overhauling: HatchMed is extending what traditional nurse call systems can do by empowering patients with configurable screens that facilitate communication with their care team. [11:55] Focusing on data security: HatchMed's innovations streamline the patient experience via the patient's personal device or smartphone. This presents some unique challenges in terms of safeguarding sensitive data. [17:50] Augmenting equals cost savings: Implementing improvements incrementally is more cost-effective than building a new tower. [19:29] Providing a universal experience: HatchMed's interface is consistent from room to room, which offers a sense of continuity for patients and families. [20:10] Identify your 'why': New technology is fun and flashy, but hospitals need to have a concrete plan regarding how and when technology will roll out. HatchMed has had success starting with small roll-outs and ramping up implementation down the line. [22:10] Necessary structural components: In terms of infrastructure, a hospital needs to have an Ethernet drop or reliable Wi-Fi connection in order to use HatchMed's products. Connect with Lone Star Communications ☑️ Follow us on YouTube and LinkedIn. ☑️ Let us know what topics you would like to hear about on CarePoints with Kenny Schiff by emailing us at star@lonestarcom.com. CarePoints with Kenny Schiff by Lone Star Communications is a series of conversations with his collaborators at Lone Star, customers, partners, and notable folks in the healthcare industry. For over 32 years, Lone Star Communications has been focused on transforming healthcare through innovation and empowering improved caregiver and patient experience.

Episode Description In the latest episode of CarePoints, Kenny Schiff interviews Jenn Upton, co-founder of Mate, a circadian rhythm lighting company; and healthcare innovations specialist Cliff Switzer, of Lone Star Communications. The three discuss the background and inspiration behind Mate, the concept of circadian rhythm and its impact on sleep (and on the bottom line), the current lighting experience in hospitals, and the benefits of circadian rhythm lighting in healthcare and beyond. Episode Summary Kenny Schiff, Jenn Upton, and Cliff Switzer discuss the background and inspiration behind Mate, the concept of circadian rhythm and its impact on sleep, the current lighting experience in hospitals, and the benefits of circadian rhythm lighting in healthcare. They also explore the reception and adoption of circadian rhythm lighting, the energy savings and cost reduction it offers, and the typical project process and success factors. A case study of the Methodist Innovation Lab is presented, and the expansion of circadian rhythm lighting to other healthcare settings and industries is discussed. The episode concludes with a glimpse into Mate's future plans and how to learn more about the company's solutions. This Episode's Guests Jenn Upton, Mate Co-founded Mate in 2016, using her control and automation background to bring a low-voltage, circadian rhythm lighting solution to hospitals and medical centers to promote wellness and restful sleep for patients. Connect: LinkedIn Cliff Switzer, Lone Star Communications A healthcare innovation specialist for Lone Star Communications with over 27 years in the industry, his main focus is on building relationships with individuals by understanding their needs and connecting them to the right products or solutions. Connect: LinkedIn Key Takeaways The current lighting experience in hospitals often ignores circadian rhythm, resulting in poor sleep for patients and more stressful conditions for staff. Mate's circadian rhythm lighting can optimize sleep and wake cycles by mimicking the natural light patterns of the sun, leading to improved wellness and restful sleep. Along with its health benefits, circadian rhythm lighting offers significant energy savings and cost reduction for healthcare facilities, making it an attractive solution for both hospitals and the companies that build and retrofit them. The adoption of circadian rhythm lighting in healthcare is gaining traction, with innovation centers and clinicians recognizing its potential to improve patient outcomes and staff well-being. Mate's technology has applications beyond healthcare, including education facilities, senior living centers, and commercial buildings, where it can enhance productivity and well-being. Chapters [00:00] Introduction [01:25] Background and Inspiration for Mate: Moving beyond traditional uses for LED technology and taking a deep dive into how LEDs can be optimized to mimic the sun and benefit both patients and hospitals. [03:10] Understanding Circadian Rhythm and its Impact on Sleep: Regulated by the amount and quality of light, circadian rhythm tells our brains when to wake and when to sleep, and is especially important for hospital patients. [05:10] Current Lighting Experience in Hospitals: The industry as a whole seems content with installing standard light fixtures with dimming capability but no temperature control—missing out on an important opportunity. [07:00] More Than Just Health Benefits: Along with the wellness benefits it brings to healthcare, Mate's technology saves more than 60% in energy costs while reducing construction budgets. [09:30] Monitoring Energy Usage: Mate's unique monitoring system allows hospitals to not only see energy use per light fixture but also when a light is nearing the end of its life cycle—giving staff time to ready a replacement. [10:40] Cutting the Customer's Construction Budget: Because Mate's light fixtures are wired with low-voltage cabling, there are no conduit and electrical costs during construction. The same applies to retrofitting existing facilities—resulting in enormous savings. [12:30] Benefits to Nursing Staff: With night shift workers facing a higher risk of health issues, hospital innovation centers are recognizing the clinical benefits of proper lighting and the resulting reduced stress levels—benefits that extend to all parts of a facility. [14:00] Knowing What Installers Are Looking For: Mate's system was created in the field based on real user feedback, making it easy to install and, with its hardware auto-detect and reverse polarity protection, virtually foolproof. [16:00] Case Study: Methodist Innovation Lab: Overhauling an entire facility with new light fixtures provided a world of difference, and was done safely and easily even without an electrician. [19:40] Expanding Beyond Hospitals: Circadian rhythm lighting is also a good fit for education facilities, senior living centers, large-scale warehouses, factories, and commercial buildings. [21:40] Future Plans for Growth and Innovation: Mate's partnership with Lone Star will continue to grow stronger, bringing wellness and energy savings to new facilities throughout 2024. [22:30] Optimizing In-house Technology: Along with keeping its manufacturing and assembly operations in the US, Mate is proud of its continuing innovations in sustainability and inventory control. [23:45] How to Learn More about Mate Connect with Lone Star Communications ☑️ Follow us on YouTube and LinkedIn. ☑️ Let us know what topics you would like to hear about on CarePoints with Kenny Schiff by emailing us at star@lonestarcom.com. CarePoints with Kenny Schiff by Lone Star Communications is a series of conversations with his collaborators at Lone Star, customers, partners, and notable folks in the healthcare industry. For over 32 years, Lone Star Communications has been focused on transforming healthcare through innovation and empowering improved caregiver and patient experience.

Episode Summary In today's world of ever-evolving healthcare needs, nurse leaders are being asked to juggle more responsibilities than ever before. So it makes sense that many of these busy professionals would hesitate to add another commitment, like membership in a professional organization, to their respective plates. However, according to Drs. Susan Hernandez and Donna Montgomery, the benefits of joining a professional organization like the North Texas Organization for Nursing Leadership (NTONL) far outweigh any potential scheduling snafus or inconveniences. Many nurse leaders find that NTONL makes it easier and more enjoyable to meet their commitments. Within a rapidly changing environment, NTONL is a forum for nurse leaders to promote compassionate, effective, and efficient healthcare. It's also a safe space for nurse leaders to network, troubleshoot difficult issues, and build each other up. In this episode of CarePoints with Kenny Schiff, Drs. Hernandez and Montgomery discuss the many advantages associated with professional organizations in general and NTONL, specifically. On the podcast, Drs. Hernandez and Montgomery talk about how NTONL promotes essential continuing education and training while connecting nurse leaders with community-specific support. They also emphasize the importance of creating judgment-free spaces in which nurse leaders can connect, address obstacles, and brainstorm solutions to complex problems. As nurse leaders continue to manage myriad responsibilities in high-pressure environments, joining a professional organization like NTONL can ultimately help nurse leaders stay up-to-date educationally, get the support they need to thrive, and give back to their professions. Featured on the Episode Name: Dr. Susan Hernandez What she does: Dr. Susan Hernandez, DNP, MBA, RN currently serves as the Health System Chief Nurse Executive for UT Southwestern Medical Center. She is the Past President of the North Texas Organization for Nursing Leadership (NTONL), where she is committed to developing and supporting leaders in nursing. Organization: UT Southwestern Medical Center Words of wisdom: "Give [NTONL] a shot. It's not extra work, and it's incredibly valuable. Share your ideas, your opinions, your thoughts, and your expertise with all of those who are already involved. It's worth the time, and it's a lot of fun." Connect: LinkedIn Name: Dr. Donna Montgomery What she does: Dr. Donna Montgomery, DNP, MBA, RN is the Chief Clinical Informatics Officer for Lone Star Communications. She has spent over 35 years as a healthcare leader in varying roles including nursing management, IT management, product line development, process improvement, informatics, and executive leadership data. Organization: Lone Star Communications, Inc. Words of wisdom: "One of the things that we are really wanting to do in NTONL is encourage up-and-coming young leaders to come and join us. It'll be good for us, and we hope that it will be good for them." Connect: LinkedIn Key Points Top takeaways from this episode Professional organizations facilitate essential continuing education. The healthcare environment is always changing and evolving; participating in a professional organization is one-way nurse leaders can ensure that they stay up-to-date with skills and technology. NTONL even conducts an annual internal needs assessment of nurse leaders, to ensure that their educational offerings are relevant to nursing administration and healthcare providers. Join a committee to get more out of membership, while giving back. NTONL has developed three distinct committees — Education, Communication, and Membership — to empower nurse leaders to give back to their nursing community in a meaningful way. The Education Committee plans and executes bimonthly membership meetings as well as the annual Fall Forum. The Communication Committee leverages social media to increase the visibility of nurse leaders. The Membership Committee supports chapter activities and networking events to encourage NTONL's recruitment and growth. There is truly a role for everyone. Diverse perspectives fuel advancement. Professional organizations bring together a unique and varied cross-section of nursing personnel to share ideas, information, and support. NTONL is committed to uplifting professionals in every career stage. NTONL is designed to foster the interchange of new knowledge and innovation in an accepting and understanding environment. Plus, sometimes, simply speaking with someone who genuinely understands the challenges of nursing can make all the difference. Episode Insights [01:04] Professional organization appreciation: Drs. Montgomery and Hernandez have both been well-served by the professional organizations that they have been part of, including NTONL. [02:20] Connecting nurse leaders to communities: As a busy professional, Dr. Hernandez understandably had some reservations about adding another commitment to her plate. Once she joined NTONL, however, she benefitted immediately. [03:42] Learn from leaders at any level: Continuing education through NTONL empowers nurse leaders to advance their skills and master new technologies. Educational sessions encourage participants to engage in open dialogue facilitating inter-generational collaboration. [04:34] Become a board member to give back: Dr. Hernandez initially took an advisory board position for two reasons. She wanted to give back to her profession, and she was interested in learning and growing with a motivated group of people outside of her organization. [05:46] Fostering a supportive environment: NTONL taps into the expertise of nurse leaders doing different jobs in a variety of settings. NTONL empowers nurse leaders to collaborate with colleagues with whom they rarely interact in their day-to-day jobs. [08:50] Get more out of membership by joining a committee: Participating in a committee — like NTONL's Education, Communication, and Membership Committees — is a great way to support your profession while learning, growing, and having fun. [10:10] Stop by an event or find NTONL online: Dr. Hernandez encourages interested nurse leaders to stop by an event to learn more about the organization. Get more information on the NTONL website, through their Facebook page, or on LinkedIn. Connect with Lone Star Communications ☑️ Follow us on YouTube and LinkedIn. ☑️ Let us know what topics you would like to hear about on CarePoints with Kenny Schiff by emailing us at star@lonestarcom.com. CarePoints with Kenny Schiff by Lone Star Communications is a series of conversations with his collaborators at Lone Star, customers, partners, and notable folks in the healthcare industry. For over 32 years, Lone Star Communications has been focused on transforming healthcare through innovation and empowering improved caregiver and patient experience.