Providing routine, meaningful touchpoints with employees through rounding can result in higher employee satisfaction and retention, but only if the structures, processes, and outcomes of rounding efforts are well-defined and monitored. Conducting “howdy” rounds that don’t explore core problems or respond to key issues can be more detrimental than helpful.  

The admission of a loved one into a critical care area can put a family into “crisis” mode, especially when a hospital stay is unexpected. Until the status of the patient is known, the priorities for the patient and family revolve around two areas – information and support. Family members at the bedside are often tasked to keep the extended family and friends informed about the situation or to field multiple calls from those with well-meaning intentions.  This is not a time to ask the family how your team is doing.

The COVID-19 outbreak is impacting all Americans in some manner, including those of us here at Nobl. We are in our 4th week of working virtually. We are fortunate that our business lends itself to a virtual platform, but our healthcare partners at the point of care do not share this luxury. Facing this global threat is taking courage, commitment, and sacrifice from the entire healthcare system.   

No one wants to hear a diagnosis of “cancer” but with medical research and new treatment breakthroughs, more and more survivors are winning the battle for long and healthy lives. But until the prognosis and outcome are known, patients and families have many questions and need strong support from the healthcare community. Patient “transitions” are a key component of cancer care as patients are referred from their primary care provider and navigate through a team of specialists who assure that body systems are protected while aggressive treatments are aimed at the disease.

The nation is pulling together to help contain and eliminate the novel coronavirus Covid-19. Millions across the nation are stepping up their handwashing technique and frequency, maintaining social distancing of 6 feet, and “sheltering in place.”  Nobl made the decision to begin virtual work on March 5th and all of our employees have moved to their homes. For some, this is the first time that they have not worked within the structure of the office environment for more than a day or two.