Episode Details

Dr. Phyllis Quinlan - is certified as a professional coach by the Internal Coaching Federation. And Author, since 2012, she has served as the career coach for the American Organization of Perioperative Nurses which has over 44,000 members, and the American Nurses Association NY State Chapter and was named to the outstanding list of coaches serving the American Hospital Association.

In an insightful episode of The You World Order Showcase podcast, host Jill Hart interviews Dr. Phyllis Quinlan, an accomplished career coach, nurse, and healthcare consultant, about her journey and the profound changes in healthcare leadership and resilience. With over three decades of experience, Dr. Quinlan offers a unique perspective on how healthcare professionals have transformed, particularly in the wake of COVID-19, and the leadership imperative for the future.

From Nursing to Entrepreneurship

Dr. Quinlan began her career in healthcare as a registered nurse, following a brief stint in psychiatric social work. Her career evolved across multiple roles in administration, education, and clinical practice. She has held positions such as director of education and critical care, but her journey took an entrepreneurial turn in the mid-1990s. Seeing a gap in the healthcare system, she founded her own company focused on cross-training healthcare professionals.

Despite not having formal business training, Dr. Quinlan successfully built her business, which recently celebrated its 30th anniversary. She emphasizes that her journey has been intuitive and self-taught, with her passion for supporting the professional development of healthcare workers driving her success.

The Changing Face of Healthcare Leadership

Dr. Quinlan’s business has evolved beyond cross-training to include leadership development, healthcare consulting, and executive coaching. She is particularly passionate about coaching both professional and family caregivers, ensuring that every person involved in caregiving, regardless of certification or role, is respected for their contributions.

Reflecting on how healthcare has changed post-pandemic, Dr. Quinlan identifies COVID-19 as a defining moment, similar to other historical events like the Great Depression or Vietnam War. During the pandemic, the healthcare sector experienced an unprecedented level of interprofessional collaboration, where status and rank no longer mattered. Healthcare workers at all levels united with a common purpose, creating a unique sense of solidarity and teamwork that Dr. Quinlan believes was long overdue.

Post-COVID Transformation: Growth, Not Burnout

Contrary to popular belief, Dr. Quinlan emphasizes that not all healthcare workers have experienced burnout in the aftermath of COVID-19. Instead, many have emerged from the pandemic with a newfound sense of strength and growth. She explains that healthcare workers have realized they are stronger than they ever thought possible, a mindset that reflects growth rather than post-traumatic stress.

This resilience, however, comes with challenges. As healthcare workers have grown and evolved, many are seeking work environments that support their personal and professional development. They are not leaving the profession but are instead searching for organizations that align with their values and offer healthy, supportive environments.

The Leadership Challenge for Healthcare Organizations

The biggest challenge for healthcare leaders, according to Dr. Quinlan, is recognizing and supporting the transformation their staff has undergone. Leaders must “level up” their approach, embracing emotional intelligence and authentic leadership to retain talent. If they fail to do so, they risk losing valuable clinical and leadership talent to more progressive organizations.

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