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Uncover the untold power of nurse practitioners in the healthcare system. Dr. Valerie Fuller, President of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, reveals why these highly trained professionals are the best-kept secret in healthcare. Are you aware of the vital role they play in providing high-quality, cost-effective care? Tune in to discover how nurse practitioners are reshaping patient care and what keeps them under the radar.   In this compelling episode, Dr. Fuller shares her journey advocating for over 461,000 nurse practitioners nationwide. With 28 years of experience as a nurse practitioner, she discusses the misconceptions surrounding the role and the unique, holistic approach they bring to healthcare. You’ll learn how nurse practitioners can diagnose, treat, and prescribe, yet still remain lesser-known compared to their physician counterparts.   You’ll discover:    - How nurse practitioners bridge the gap in healthcare access, especially in underserved areas.   - The legislative barriers that prevent them from fully exercising their training and how they’re working to change this.   - Real-life examples of the impact nurse practitioners have on patient outcomes and satisfaction.   Dr. Fuller emphasizes the importance of understanding the full scope of practice available to nurse practitioners and how misconceptions can lead to missed opportunities for patients to receive quality care. With a focus on listening and understanding patient needs, she highlights why nurse practitioners are essential in today’s healthcare landscape.   Don’t miss out on this essential conversation that challenges the status quo and advocates for a transformation in healthcare delivery. Perfect for anyone interested in healthcare, policy, or simply looking to understand more about the hidden gems in our medical system. Listen now to empower yourself with knowledge that could change lives! Timestamps: 00:00 - Welcome and introduction to Dr. Valerie Fuller 01:05 - What nurse practitioners do 02:40 - Explaining the nurse practitioner role to patients 04:15 - Why nurse practitioners are still “the best kept secret” in healthcare 06:39 - Nurse practitioners in rural and underserved communities 08:16 - Policy barriers to practicing at full scope 09:24 - How outdated Medicare rules affect patient care 11:36 - The I Can Act and federal advocacy 12:13 - Using storytelling to reach legislators 12:45 - Full practice authority and the Texas–New Mexico contrast 14:53 - The patient-centered philosophy of nursing 15:57 - Valerie’s path into advocacy and association leadership 18:41 - Why patient stories move policy 20:18 - Rural health advocacy at the White House 22:01 - What Valerie enjoys most about leading the association 23:09 - Favorite and least favorite airports 24:12 - Building a postoperative delirium program 25:53 - Researching patients’ experiences with delirium 26:59 - Closing remarks Thank you for listening to “People Worth Caring About.” If you found value in this episode, please subscribe and leave a 5-star rating to help others discover these important stories. For more information and to connect with our guests, visit PeopleWorthCaringAbout.com. #HealthcareLeadership #SkilledTrades #PeopleWorthCaringAbout

Transforming the cancer care experience is no small feat, but Christina Merrill is doing just that.  In this riveting episode of People Worth Caring About, she unveils how her journey from social worker to founder and CEO of the Bone Marrow and Cancer Foundation has changed the lives of countless patients and families facing the daunting challenges of cancer treatment. You'll discover the innovative strategies Christina implemented, including a groundbreaking partnership with Airbnb that allows patients to access crucial care without the burden of housing costs. She reveals the heartwarming stories behind her organization’s mission, detailing how they provide financial assistance, therapy programs, and essential peer support that truly make a difference in the cancer community.  Peter Murphy Lewis and co-host Jalene Carpenter dive into Christina's entrepreneurial spirit, discussing how her experiences led to the creation of Cancer Buddy, an app that connects patients with peer support through a familiar swiping mechanism. This unique approach not only helps patients find others who understand their struggles but also fosters a sense of community and connection that is often lacking in healthcare. This episode is not just about healthcare; it's a powerful reminder of the human spirit's resilience and the importance of support systems during life's toughest battles. If you’re a caregiver, a healthcare professional, or someone affected by cancer, Christina’s insights are invaluable and could inspire you to make a difference. Join us for this heartwarming and enlightening conversation that showcases the power of compassion, innovation, and community in overcoming the challenges of cancer. Perfect for anyone seeking hope and practical solutions in the face of adversity. Timestamps: 00:35 - Welcome and host catch-up 01:43 - Introducing Christina Merrill and the conversation ahead 02:13 - Lighthearted opening banter 02:46 - Christina’s formal welcome 03:32 - Christina’s path into cancer care 04:39 - Building the Bone Marrow & Cancer Foundation 07:02 - The inspiration behind Cancer Buddy 08:19 - Creating peer support and community 09:34 - Building the app from the ground up 10:13 - From bone marrow transplants to serving all cancer patients 11:17 - Storytelling, fundraising, and the Airbnb partnership 13:20 - Persistence and not giving up 14:30 - The patient story that changed everything 16:22 - Family, purpose, and raising four sons 16:52 - Technology, AI, and preserving human connection 17:59 - Bringing the Cancer Buddy community together in person 18:29 - Why patient navigation needs a human touch 19:40 - Discipline, health, and loving your work 21:18 - Peter reflects on Christina’s vision 21:49 - Lessons for long-term care 22:30 - Closing thoughts Thank you for listening to “People Worth Caring About.” If you found value in this episode, please subscribe and leave a 5-star rating to help others discover these important stories. For more information and to connect with our guests, visit PeopleWorthCaringAbout.com. #HealthcareLeadership #SkilledTrades #PeopleWorthCaringAbout

Aging, Stigma, and Why the Conversation Belongs Everywhere Peter Murphy Lewis and Jalene continue a conversation about aging and gerontology: where should it be discussed, and how can we move beyond seeing aging only as decline? They explore gaps in healthcare training, the stigma older adults face, the influence of everyday language, and why thinking about aging should include identity, relationships, and wellness - not just the body. In this episode: • Why aging and gerontology deserve attention beyond college campuses and long-term care • How aging is covered in healthcare administrator and CNA training • Why an acute-care model may not reflect the realities of aging • The stigma that older adults have little value or productivity • What it means to consider the “youth side” of aging • How aging can shape identity, wellness, and relationships • Why words like “old” can carry a negative connotation • How people can reclaim language and shift its meaning • Why Dr. Masters could add a valuable perspective to the conversation Timestamps 00:00 - Opening the aging conversation 01:26 - How aging is covered in healthcare training 02:21 - The limits of an acute-care approach to aging 02:44 - Stigma and misconceptions about older adults 03:44 - Introducing the “youth side” of aging 04:11 - A younger person’s question about identity and the future 04:39 - Aging beyond the body: wellness, family, and relationships 05:10 - Using “old” as a negative label 06:17 - Owning words and changing their meaning 07:33 - Why Dr. Masters should join the conversation 07:51 - Peter’s emotional interview project 08:05 - The “Aging is Hot” T-shirt 09:15 - Closing thoughts Thank you for listening to People Worth Caring About. If you found value in this episode, please subscribe and leave a 5-star rating to help others discover these important stories. For more information and to connect with our guests, visit PeopleWorthCaringAbout.com. #HealthcareLeadership #SkilledTrades #PeopleWorthCaringAbout

Are we afraid of aging or just unsure how to talk about it? In this lively episode of People Worth Caring About, hosts Jalene and Peter dive into the often-avoided topic of aging, revealing surprising insights from both younger generations and elderly residents at senior living communities. If you’ve ever wondered how perceptions of aging shift from youth to old age, this episode is for you. Peter shares his recent experience interviewing college students and seniors, unearthing enlightening truths about how each group views aging. You’ll discover: • Why many young adults avoid the conversation about aging altogether. • The unexpected overlap in advice shared between seniors and the youth about approaching life and aging. • Insights into the field of gerontology and why understanding aging is crucial for various professions, not just caregiving. This episode isn’t just about sharing stories; it’s about transforming the way we perceive aging and the conversations we need to have. As Peter highlights, avoiding discussions about aging can lead to missed opportunities for deeper connections and understanding. Join us for this compelling exploration that challenges the stigma around aging and ignites curiosity about the inevitable journey we all face. Perfect for anyone looking to rethink their perspective on aging or seeking to foster better dialogue around it. Tune in now and let’s start the conversation! Timestamps 00:01 - Peter and Jalene open the episode. 01:01 - Jalene introduces the negative way people often talk about aging. 01:48 - Peter explains the project’s goal: bringing awareness to gerontology and the fear of discussing aging. 02:43 - Peter describes visiting retirement centers and asking residents what comes to mind when they hear “aging.” 04:08 - Peter shares that many older adults hadn’t thought about aging until arranging long-term care for a parent. 05:33 - Peter describes asking young people what their 80-year-old selves would advise them to do now. 06:19 - Advice from older adults: slow down, worry less, plan financially, and take care of your body. 07:38 - Peter shares why it can help to have difficult conversations about death and dying earlier. 08:39 - Peter explains how studying gerontology can help people understand a population they haven’t experienced yet. 09:30 - Peter discusses the professional value of understanding an aging demographic. 10:42 - Jalene asks about Dr. Julie Masters’ work and the episode closes with a teaser for part two.” Thank you for listening to “People Worth Caring About.” If you found value in this episode, please subscribe and leave a 5-star rating to help others discover these important stories. For more information and to connect with our guests, visit PeopleWorthCaringAbout.com. #HealthcareLeadership #SkilledTrades #PeopleWorthCaringAbout

Keep Going: Alicia Staley on Four-Time Cancer Survivorship, Patient Advocacy, and Building Better Clinical Research Peter Murphy Lewis sits down with Alicia Staley, Chief Patient Officer at Medidata and a four-time cancer survivor, for a conversation about identity, resilience, and why patient experience should shape healthcare technology. Alicia shares how surviving cancer four times changed the way she sees time, work, and purpose, and why she now fully embraces patient advocacy as part of who she is. They also discuss the overlooked roles that make clinical research work, the stubbornly outdated parts of healthcare that still frustrate her, and the simple message she would put on a billboard for anyone facing hard seasons: keep going. KEY TOPICS Alicia’s Four-Time Cancer Survivor Story• Processing what it means to survive cancer four times• Her first diagnosis of Hodgkin’s lymphoma in college• Learning to embrace survivorship as part of her identity How Personal Experience Shapes Leadership• Connecting an engineering background with patient advocacy• Improving the experience of patients in clinical trials• Putting the right tools in front of patients at the right time The Unseen People Behind Clinical Research• Clinical research site workers• Engineers and product teams• Patient-facing staff whose work often goes unrecognized Why Healthcare Technology Feels Extraordinary• Connecting patient data across systems• Improving access to medical information• Making clinical trial opportunities easier to explore What Still Feels Outdated• Alicia’s frustration with fax machines in healthcare• How outdated communication methods can damage the patient experience Mentorship and Personal Growth• The impact of Alicia’s career coach, Jill• Learning from multiple mentors and relationships• Turning personal experiences into a resource for others A Book Worth Reading• The Magic of Thinking Big• Why Alicia recommends it to her team and others The Message She Would Put on a Billboard• “Keep going”• Resilience, persistence, and taking life one step at a time EPISODE TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Introducing Alicia Staley, four-time cancer survivor and Medidata Chief Patient Officer 01:12 – Wrestling with what it means to survive cancer four times 02:08 – How a college diagnosis reshaped her outlook on time and purpose 04:19 – Why she stopped resisting the cancer survivor identity 06:05 – Bringing an engineer’s mindset into patient advocacy 07:28 – Using technology to improve the patient experience in clinical trials 09:05 – The clinical research roles that rarely get public recognition 10:42 – How Alicia encourages and celebrates her team’s impact 13:00 – Why healthcare data integration is extraordinary 14:23 – How modern patient tools changed access to information 16:11 – Why fax machines still feel shocking in healthcare 17:57 – The value of a career coach and learning from many mentors 20:03 – Why The Magic of Thinking Big is her most recommended book 21:40 – The billboard message she would share with the world: “Keep going” ABOUT PEOPLE WORTH CARING ABOUT Thank you for listening to People Worth Caring About. If you found value in this episode, please follow the podcast and leave a 5-star rating to help others discover these important stories. For more information and to connect with our guests, visit:https://peopleworthcaringabout.com #HealthcareLeadership #PatientAdvocacy #ClinicalResearch #CancerSurvivorship #PeopleWorthCaringAbout

This episode is a personal conversation about how Peter Murphy Lewis’ unusual career path shaped the way he thinks about caregiving. Jalene and Peter discuss listening, observation, emotional resilience, and why hands-on care is one of the hardest and most undervalued kinds of work. We also touch on identity and community through sports mascots and school pride, using Nebraska and Gonzaga as examples of how symbols create connection. Key Topics: In this episode, Peter explains how working more than a hundred unusual jobs taught him to be a better listener and observer, which later translated directly into caregiving. He shares how filming a South America version of Dirty Jobs initially made him too mental and calculated, until he learned to relax and focus on the person in front of him. Peter and Jalene discuss how healthcare and long-term care are hard to “sell” because so much of the work is intangible, unlike visibly celebrated jobs like firefighter, FBI detective, or subway driver. Peter describes one of his earliest filming experiences as a gravedigger, where he moved the remains of an 83-year-old woman, and how that brought up grief about not being present for his own grandparents’ funerals. He explains that the emotional weight of that day, including becoming unable to talk near the end, prepared him for the emotional strain caregivers face. Another formative experience involved filming a woman who did handyman and repair work, then later learning she took her life six months after they became close. Peter reflects on how caregivers can pour everything into supporting someone in deep depression and still not be enough, which is part of the emotional reality of the job. Jalene asks what a full CNA shift would really be like, and Peter says he worked three full shifts during CNA training, running everywhere under a strict supervisor named Robert. He emphasizes that the hardest part of caregiving is being on your feet all day while supporting people who may be combative, confused, or unable to communicate their needs. Peter closes by saying caregiving also teaches life-changing human intangibles that make you a better spouse, parent, community member, church member, or Boy Scout. Timestamps: 00:00 - Why Peter’s unusual jobs matter for caregiving 01:06 - Learning to stop overthinking and just be present 02:39 - “Celebrated” jobs versus invisible caregiving work 05:19 - The gravedigger job that changed his perspective on grief 07:25 - A close connection that ended in tragedy 08:54 - What CNA training and three full shifts were really like 10:23 - The hardest part of being on your feet all day 11:17 - How caregiving makes you better in every part of life 12:25 - Why sports teams use mascots and identity language 13:11 - Nebraska pride as a community signal 14:15 - Why Gonzaga gear still sparks conversation  Thank you for listening to “People Worth Caring About.” If you found value in this episode, please subscribe and leave a 5-star rating to help others discover these important stories. For more information and to connect with our guests, visit PeopleWorthCaringAbout.com. #HealthcareLeadership #SkilledTrades #PeopleWorthCaringAbout

This conversation looks at why the people with the most meaningful stories are often the ones least comfortable on camera. Peter and Jalene discuss how trust, relatability, and lower production pressure help surface authentic stories from direct care staff, leaders, and quiet contributors inside organizations.They also break down a practical approach to helping people tell their story, from asking better questions to framing everyday work as valuable, human, and worth caring about. Key topics In this episode, Peter Murphy Lewis and Jalene explore why ego can hurt on-camera resonance, even when someone is polished or “good” on camera. Jalene shares that the most compelling people are often the ones doing genuine work for heartfelt reasons, not for visibility. Peter explains that viewers connect most with relatability, not perfection, and that small human quirks can make someone more trustworthy on screen. Jalene gives the example of “Judy in housekeeping” - a person everyone in the organization knows is special, but who would never raise her hand to be filmed. They discuss how “share your story” is often too vague, especially for direct care staff who may think storytelling requires a grand life event. Peter says the first requirement for getting someone to open up is trust, and that the interviewer should already have a relationship with the person. Jalene emphasizes that the goal must be clear and genuinely altruistic, so the person feels they are sharing for the mission, not being used for content. They suggest making the setting feel safer by reducing production pressure, including fewer people in the room, minimal lighting, and starting with familiar voices. Peter pitches a powerful leadership concept: record executives talking about an important caregiver before revealing that the caregiver is in the room to hear it. They reflect on how long-term care stories often become most meaningful around postmortem care, family presence, gratitude, and forgiveness. Timestamps (00:00) Why the most interesting people often avoid the camera (01:20) Ego, relatability, and what viewers immediately notice (02:40) Finding the quiet storytellers inside an organization (03:51) Why “share your story” is too vague for most people (04:54) Trust first - why the relationship has to come before the recording (05:40) Reducing pressure with fewer people and less production (06:25) Making a camera feel safe for someone who has never been on one (07:21) A leadership video idea that honors an unnamed caregiver (08:13) Revealing the caregiver in the room for a genuine reaction (09:41) Helping leaders and staff discover their “why” through a before-and-after story (11:37) Postmortem care, family presence, and why these stories matter (12:52) The beauty of work that long-term care rarely talks about Thank you for listening to “People Worth Caring About.” If you found value in this episode, please subscribe and leave a 5-star rating to help others discover these important stories. For more information and to connect with our guests, visit PeopleWorthCaringAbout.com. #HealthcareLeadership #SkilledTrades #PeopleWorthCaringAbout

In this episode, Peter Murphy Lewis and Jalene share behind-the-scenes insights from filming a documentary with frontline caregivers at the Capitol, highlighting the power of storytelling in advocacy and leadership. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to filming with frontline caregivers 00:07 The challenge of directing on the run 00:33 Experiencing the Capitol filming journey 01:20 The group's humility and lack of ego 02:03 Capturing organic, emotional moments 03:07 Unexpected insights during interviews 04:22 Pulling footage together around a journey theme 06:10 The physical and emotional journey from Nebraska to DC 07:07 Caregivers' transformation from timid to empowered 08:27 Impactful moments with legislative staff 10:37 Authentic interactions and genuine interest 11:53 Caregivers' understanding of the association's role 12:34 Strategies for sharing the story effectively 14:03 Engaging caregivers through social media and email 15:58 Lessons learned from on-the-fly filming challenges 16:32 Reflections on communication and coordination 17:08 Humor and candid moments on set 19:04 Final thoughts and next steps for advocacy storytelling Thank you for listening to “People Worth Caring About.” If you found value in this episode, please subscribe and leave a 5-star rating to help others discover these important stories. For more information and to connect with our guests, visit PeopleWorthCaringAbout.com. #HealthcareLeadership #SkilledTrades #PeopleWorthCaringAbout

In this episode, Peter and Jalene explore innovative ways to raise curiosity about aging and long-term care through engaging content and street experiments. They share practical ideas, testing methods, and creative projects to inspire change and awareness. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Personal Stories about World Cup and Soccer 02:21 Introducing the Project to Raise Curiosity About Aging 03:11 Defining Curiosity and How to Capture Attention 04:01 Goals of the Gerontology Content Project 05:26 Ideas for Content and Engagement Strategies 07:20 Using Street Experiments to Connect with People 09:12 Testing Curiosity with Questions About Aging and Fears 11:06 Street Interviews and Sharing Personal Stories 13:04 Practical Challenges and Solutions in Street Content Creation 14:04 Creative Viral Ideas to Promote Aging Awareness 15:34 Wrapping Up and Next Steps for Content Projectst Thank you for listening to “People Worth Caring About.” If you found value in this episode, please subscribe and leave a 5-star rating to help others discover these important stories. For more information and to connect with our guests, visit PeopleWorthCaringAbout.com. #HealthcareLeadership #SkilledTrades #PeopleWorthCaringAbout

In this episode, Peter and Jalene discuss the importance of advocacy for frontline caregivers, the upcoming congressional briefing in DC, and how sharing authentic stories can influence policy decisions. They highlight the transformative power of caregiver voices and the impact of storytelling in advocacy efforts. Chapters: 00:08 Peter shares excitement about advocacy event 00:43 Personal story of Jace, a CNA making an impact 01:21 Upcoming trip to DC for congressional briefing 02:20 Goals for advocacy: showcasing caregiver stories 02:55 What success looks like in advocacy events 03:31 Observing confidence growth in caregivers 04:01 The importance of authentic storytelling 04:28 Travel plans and weather considerations 05:08 Closing remarks and anticipation of the event Thank you for listening to “People Worth Caring About.” If you found value in this episode, please subscribe and leave a 5-star rating to help others discover these important stories. For more information and to connect with our guests, visit PeopleWorthCaringAbout.com. #HealthcareLeadership #SkilledTrades #PeopleWorthCaringAbout

In this episode, Jalene Carpenter shares the inspiring story of the Cars for Caregivers program, highlighting how providing reliable transportation transforms lives and communities. Peter Murphy Lewis joins to discuss scalable solutions and the ripple effects of giving. Chapters: 00:00 Excitement for the World Cup 02:54 Innovative Fundraising: Cars for Caregivers 05:27 The Emotional Impact of Giving 08:42 Building Community Through Support 11:19 Looking Ahead: Future Initiatives Thank you for listening to “People Worth Caring About.” If you found value in this episode, please subscribe and leave a 5-star rating to help others discover these important stories. For more information and to connect with our guests, visit PeopleWorthCaringAbout.com. #HealthcareLeadership #SkilledTrades #PeopleWorthCaringAbout

Join us as we explore the impactful stories from Peter Murphy Lewis's recent filming adventures across Florida, Kentucky, and North Dakota. Discover how these stories highlight the human connection, purpose, and innovative approaches in long-term care. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Personal Touches 02:12 Filming in Florida: A Journey of Joy 05:27 Kentucky: Stories of Transformation 10:04 The Power of Purpose in Caregiving 13:33 Current Adventures in North Dakota 18:00 Impact and Future of People Worth Caring About Thank you for listening to “People Worth Caring About.” If you found value in this episode, please subscribe and leave a 5-star rating to help others discover these important stories. For more information and to connect with our guests, visit PeopleWorthCaringAbout.com. #HealthcareLeadership #SkilledTrades #PeopleWorthCaringAbout

In this engaging conversation, Peter and Jalene discuss their recent experiences at LTC 100, share insights on storytelling, advocacy, and effective communication, and explore how to leverage social media for impact. They also delve into the importance of peer support among state executives and the power of storytelling in long-term care advocacy. Key Topics LTC 100 conference highlightsStorytelling and social media impactState advocacy and collaborationLobbying efforts and success stories Takeaways Short, engaging content works best—cut the fluff.Pass the cell phone—make content more human.Share success stories to inspire and motivate.Collaboration among state executives is vital.Effective storytelling increases engagement and pride. Chapters 00:00 Summer Plans and Family Adventures 02:44 CEO on the Go: A New Perspective 05:45 Insights from LTC 100 08:44 Lobbying and Advocacy: Learning from Each Other 11:34 The Power of Storytelling in Long-Term Care 14:31 Collaboration Among State Executives 17:08 Screening Highlights and Key Takeaways 19:57 Final Thoughts and Lessons Learned 24:28 30 - Peter and Jalene 1 - outro.mp4 Resources LTC 100 Conference - https://ltc100conference.com Storytelling and Social Media Strategies - https://example.com/storytelling-strategies Advocacy Success Stories in Long-Term Care - https://example.com/advocacy-stories Peter Murphy Lewis on LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/petermurphylewis Jalene Carpenter on LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/jalenecarpenter Thank you for listening to “People Worth Caring About.” If you found value in this episode, please subscribe and leave a 5-star rating to help others discover these important stories. For more information and to connect with our guests, visit PeopleWorthCaringAbout.com.

What does it take to bring the voice of a frontline caregiver all the way to Capitol Hill? Shane Nixon, Certified Medication Aide at Brookestone Village Rehabilitation & Care Center, almost walked away from health care entirely — now he's heading to Washington, D.C., to tell lawmakers exactly what life looks like on the floor. Alongside Jalene Carpenter, President and CEO at Nebraska Health Care Association, Shane shares his unexpected path into caregiving, the scholarship program putting frontline workers in rooms where policy is made, and why the people doing the work every day are the ones legislators most need to hear. Key Takeaways: 00:00 Introduction. 03:16 Nebraska is the only state association funding direct care staff to attend the congressional briefing. 05:47 When frontline caregivers speak, everyone in the room changes. 12:36 Shane's unexpected path into health care and the residents who made it his calling. 15:39 A mother's encouragement and a career he almost walked away from. 16:10 Two weeks from his degree, with plans to become an administrator. 19:15 Walk a mile in their shoes. Resources Mentioned: Shane Nixon https://www.linkedin.com/in/shane-nixon-4274b8327/ Brookestone Village Rehabilitation & Care Center https://www.linkedin.com/company/brookestone-village-rehabilitation-care-center/ Jalene Carpenter https://www.linkedin.com/in/jalenecarpenter/ Nebraska Health Care Association | LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/nebraska-health-care-association/ Nebraska Health Care Association | Website https://www.nehca.org AAG Health https://aag.health Thank you for listening to “People Worth Caring About.” If you found value in this episode, please subscribe and leave a 5-star rating to help others discover these important stories. For more information and to connect with our guests, visit PeopleWorthCaringAbout.com. #HealthcareLeadership #SkilledTrades #PeopleWorthCaringAbout

Steven Buck, President and CEO of Care Providers Oklahoma, shares what he and a group of long-term care leaders discovered on a study trip to Vienna, Austria — a week of facility tours, government meetings, and cultural immersion organized through a partnership with Oklahoma Christian University. Steven reflects on the intentional design choices that give residents access to sunlight and community, the striking contrast between Austrian and American regulatory environments, and what it looks like when an entire system is built around keeping seniors connected to the people around them. He also shares the moment at Mauthausen concentration camp that reframed why this work matters — when a tour guide's closing story made clear that being visited, being seen, and being surrounded by people who love you is not a comfort. It’s a lifeline. The trip runs annually, in early December, and is open to care providers, policy experts, CEOs, and facility administrators. Key Takeaways: 00:00 Introduction. 04:22 A university partnership made a Vienna study trip possible. 06:34 The trip runs annually and is open to providers, CEOs, and administrators. 08:02 Austrian facilities integrate seniors into care much earlier and more deliberately. 10:07 Vienna is behind the US in data collection and performance measurement. 11:30 Balcony architecture gives immobile residents direct access to sunlight. 14:02 Community cafes inside facilities invite neighbors to dine with seniors. 18:04 Austrian regulatory standards differ vastly from the American model. 21:04 Austrian civil service places young men aged 18–22 inside long-term care facilities. 24:30 A concentration camp visit reframed the moral weight of caring for seniors. Resources Mentioned: Steven Buck https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-l-buck-06a81410/ Care Providers Oklahoma | LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/care-providers-oklahoma/ Care Providers Oklahoma | Website https://www.careoklahoma.com/ Oklahoma Christian University https://www.oc.edu/ Thank you for listening to "People Worth Caring About." If you found value in this episode, please subscribe and leave a 5-star rating to help others discover these important stories. For more information and to connect with our guests, visit PeopleWorthCaringAbout.com. #HealthcareLeadership #SkilledTrades #PeopleWorthCaringAbout