SPRING 2022

Our “ Snap Back Plan ” to address a long-standing nursing shortage exacerbated by the ongoing pandemic .

urses are the backbone of the healthcare delivery system , but a nationwide shortage of nurses that began in 2012 has left healthcare systems across the country crippled . The stress of two years of fighting the COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated the issue , with many nurses choosing to leave the field or retire .

“ The last two years have spotlighted the vital role nurses play in quality healthcare ,” says Janice Walker , DHA , MBA-HCM , BSN , RN , NEA-BC , executive vice president and chief nursing officer for Baylor Scott & White Health . “ That focus has also shed light on the challenges nurses face , and how much we depend on their knowledge , abilities , and compassion .”

Nurses often spend more time with each patient than physicians do , and insufficient nurse staffing levels can negatively affect patient care as nurses ’ time and energy are stretched thinner among more patients . National studies have shown higher patient to nurse ratios are associated with errors in care , more preventable infections and falls , longer hospital stays , higher readmission rates , and higher mortality rates . While Baylor Scott & White has taken extraordinary steps to address our nursing shortage and provide quality patient care ,

Inside this issue

Philanthropy in Action 4 Sharing Some Love

Legendary Firsts

News , Projects & Campaigns 5 Growth in Round Rock and Georgetown 6 Extreme Measures 7 Role Reversal 9 Threads of Love 10 FitSTEPS for Life ^® 12 There ’ s Power in Numbers

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