Recorded live at the 2025 ASHHRA Executive Summit in Savannah, host Luke Carignan (sans traveling co-host Bo Brabo) sits down with Jaclyn Thomson, Director of Employee & Labor Relations at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, TN. Jaclyn shares her unique journey from psychology and counseling to HR mastery, blending empathy with strategic ER. Amid talent shortages and operational challenges, she offers practical wisdom on investigations, union avoidance, and fostering positive workplace cultures—reminding us: Appreciate others; it goes a long way.

Jaclyn dives into her 14 years at West Virginia University Medicine, where proximity to operations sparked a passion for ER. She emphasizes understanding the "why" behind healthcare functions to better support leaders and staff. For early-career HR pros: Shadow ops, ask questions, and immerse yourself. On tough ER tasks like investigations: Stay neutral, thorough, and empathetic—focus on facts while humanizing the process. Union avoidance? Be proactive: Address issues early, build trust, and engage employees to prevent escalation.

Key takeaways for healthcare HR leaders:

• ER Fundamentals: Merge counseling skills with HR—listen actively, remain unbiased, and prioritize empathy in high-stakes situations like terminations or grievances.
• Operational Insight: Don't silo in HR; learn hospital ops through shadowing, questions, and cross-departmental exposure to align strategies with real-world needs.
• Investigations Best Practices: Approach with neutrality; gather facts, document thoroughly, and focus on resolution—avoid bias to ensure fair outcomes.
• Union Prevention: Foster open communication and address pain points early; proactive engagement reduces union risks in competitive markets.
• Positive Culture Building: Combat negativity in ER by celebrating wins—simple appreciation boosts morale and retention.
• Career Growth: For aspiring ER pros, seek diverse experiences; Jaclyn's path from psych to ER highlights adaptability's value.
• Nashville Shoutout: Check out Rec Fest (Oct 15-16) at Centennial Park—HR's "Lollapalooza" with tents, speakers, and networking.

A must-listen for HR navigating ER's emotional demands in healthcare. Jaclyn's insights inspire resilience and positivity—control what you can!

Join us at the ASHHRA26 Annual 2026 Conference in Savannah May 17 – 19. Register here.

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