Care Anywhere: The Global Health Workforce Podcast

TruMerit

Welcome to the "Care Anywhere Podcast: The Global Health Workforce Podcast." Our series delves into the dynamic world of global health workforce development. Join us as we engage with subject matter experts, thought leaders, and practitioners in insightful discussions on the evolving practices, addressing workforce shortages, and meeting the global demand for healthcare talent. Explore the critical intersections shaping the future of healthcare worldwide with us.

  1. TruMerit | DAISY Honoree Spotlight: Donita Ross | Donita Ross & Erik Schumann | EP 27

    5d ago ·  Video

    TruMerit | DAISY Honoree Spotlight: Donita Ross | Donita Ross & Erik Schumann | EP 27

    Ethical recruitment is often discussed as a workforce strategy, but in this episode of Care Anywhere, it’s explored as something much more meaningful: a commitment to protecting, empowering, and investing in the nurses who make global healthcare possible. Host Lea Sims sits down with Health Carousel’s Donita Ross, Associate Chief Nursing Officer and Vice President, and Erik Schuman, Chief Operating Officer, for a special DAISY Honoree Spotlight celebrating Donita’s recognition for her extraordinary leadership and advocacy on behalf of internationally educated nurses. Drawing on more than three decades of nursing experience, Donita shares her passion for helping nurses achieve their professional goals while ensuring they are supported throughout every stage of their journey to the United States. Erik reflects on the qualities that make Donita’s approach so impactful, highlighting her ability to combine clinical expertise, compassion, and individualized support to help nurses successfully transition into new careers, communities, and healthcare systems. The conversation explores the principles of ethical international recruitment, including transparency, compliance, and respect for every nurse’s right to pursue opportunity. Donita and Erik discuss how ethical recruitment extends beyond placement, requiring organizations to invest in workforce sustainability through education, mentorship, and support for nursing development in source countries. They also examine the critical role international nurses play in addressing workforce shortages while strengthening care delivery in underserved communities Lea, Donita, and Erik further discuss the importance of long-term career development, sharing how internationally educated nurses are advancing into specialty practice, leadership roles, and higher education opportunities after arriving in the United States. Their conversation highlights the value of viewing workforce mobility not as a transaction, but as a partnership that benefits nurses, healthcare organizations, and communities around the world. Listeners will come away with a deeper understanding of what ethical recruitment looks like in practice, why workforce mobility must be grounded in integrity and investment, and how leaders like Donita Ross are helping shape a more sustainable future for the global nursing workforce. Tune in to the full episode of Care Anywhere: The Global Health Workforce Podcast on TruMerit.org or listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform.

    42 min
  2. From the Bench: Safe Staffing Through New Models of Care | Sylvain Trepanier and Ching-Min Chen | EP 26

    Jun 24 ·  Video

    From the Bench: Safe Staffing Through New Models of Care | Sylvain Trepanier and Ching-Min Chen | EP 26

    Hospitals and healthcare systems around the world are facing an undeniable reality: safe staffing can no longer be solved simply by adding more people to an overstretched workforce. As global nursing shortages continue to rise, healthcare leaders are being forced to rethink not only how care is staffed, but how care itself is designed and delivered. In this special episode of From the Bench, host Lea Sims sits down with Sylvain “Syl” Trepanier, Chief Nursing Officer at Providence and Board Chair of TruMerit, alongside Ching-Min Chen, Vice President of the Taiwan Nurses Association and Distinguished Professor at National Cheng Kung University, to explore a new framework for safe staffing built around innovative models of care. Drawing from TruMerit’s latest report, Safe Staffing Through New Models of Care, Syl and Ching-Min explain why the future of healthcare depends on moving beyond traditional staffing ratios and redesigning systems around patient needs, interdisciplinary collaboration, workforce sustainability, and technology-enabled care delivery. Lea, Syl, and Ching-Min unpack the report’s three-domain framework, which focuses on healthcare systems and infrastructure, service delivery, and measurable workforce and patient outcomes. The conversation explores how healthcare organizations can better support clinicians practicing at the top of their license, leverage interdisciplinary teams, and create models that are flexible enough to work across hospitals, clinics, communities, and virtual care settings. The episode also highlights real-world examples of innovation already happening globally. From telehealth programs supporting maternal care in underserved regions to hybrid virtual nursing models and forensic telehealth services, the discussion demonstrates how technology can expand access to care while supporting both workforce resilience and patient safety. At the center of the conversation is the idea that technology should enhance human care, not replace it. Syl and Ching-Min discuss how AI, virtual nursing, remote monitoring, and telehealth are helping healthcare systems extend expertise, reduce clinician burden, and improve continuity of care while preserving the empathy and human connection at the heart of nursing practice. Ultimately, the episode challenges healthcare leaders, educators, and policymakers to rethink workforce shortages as a systems design issue, not simply a staffing issue, and to build models of care that are safer, more equitable, and more sustainable for the future. Tune in to the full episode of From the Bench at TruMerit.org/podcast or on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other major podcast platforms.

    48 min
  3. Language as a SuperPower: Upskilling a Globally Mobile Workforce  | Katie Brown | EP 25

    May 25 ·  Video

    Language as a SuperPower: Upskilling a Globally Mobile Workforce | Katie Brown | EP 25

    In this episode of Care Anywhere, host Lea Sims sits down with Katie Brown, founder and chief education officer at EnGen, to explore how English language mastery can unlock opportunity for internationally trained healthcare professionals. Together, they discuss why language proficiency is about far more than passing exams—it directly impacts patient care, workplace confidence, career mobility, and successful integration into a new community. Katie shares how EnGen’s personalized, occupation-specific approach helps multilingual healthcare workers build the practical communication skills needed both inside and outside the workplace. From preparing for NCLEX and English proficiency exams to navigating patient conversations, workplace collaboration, banking, insurance, and daily life in a new country, EnGen focuses on teaching language in real-world context rather than through traditional one-size-fits-all instruction. The conversation highlights the critical role communication plays in healthcare delivery, particularly in high-stress patient care settings where trust, understanding, and clarity are essential. Lea and Katie also discuss how multilingual professionals strengthen healthcare systems by improving access, reducing communication barriers, and helping organizations better serve diverse patient populations. Another key focus of the episode is confidence. Katie explains how language barriers and cultural adjustment challenges can leave even highly skilled professionals feeling uncertain, despite years of clinical expertise. Through adaptive learning, personalized support, and practical application, EnGen helps learners gain the confidence needed to thrive professionally and personally. The episode also explores the untapped potential of internationally trained healthcare workers already living in English-speaking countries but working below their qualifications due to language barriers or limited support. Katie emphasizes that with targeted language upskilling, these professionals can accelerate into meaningful clinical roles while helping address critical workforce shortages worldwide. Listeners will come away with a deeper understanding of how language learning can empower healthcare professionals, strengthen patient care, support family integration, and expand global workforce mobility. For more episodes of Care Anywhere: The Global Health Workforce Podcast, visit TruMerit.org or listen on your favorite podcast platform.

    32 min
  4. Verified Once, Trusted Everywhere: Verifiable Digital Credentials | Dan Giurescu | EP 24

    May 7 ·  Video

    Verified Once, Trusted Everywhere: Verifiable Digital Credentials | Dan Giurescu | EP 24

    In this episode of Care Anywhere, host Lea Sims explores the future of digital identity and workforce mobility in healthcare with Dan Giurescu, CEO and cofounder of Credivera. Together, they examine how the healthcare industry is transitioning from outdated paper-based credentialing systems to secure, verifiable digital credentials that can transform how professionals move, work, and build trust across borders. Dan shares how the evolution of professional credentials mirrors the broader digital transformation happening across society. From physical diplomas and static PDFs to cryptographically secure digital credentials, the conversation highlights how modern verification systems are designed to be portable, interoperable, and tamper-proof. These advancements allow healthcare professionals to securely carry proof of their education, licensure, certifications, and work experience in a way that can be instantly trusted by employers and institutions worldwide. Throughout the episode, Dan explains the importance of creating a trusted digital ecosystem that empowers professionals rather than restricting them. By connecting verified credentials to a secure digital identity, healthcare workers gain greater agency over their careers and mobility. Leah and Dan discuss how these systems reduce fraud, eliminate inconsistencies caused by outdated verification processes, and help ensure that qualified professionals can move more efficiently across states and international borders. A key focus of the discussion is the growing challenge of workforce shortages and onboarding delays within healthcare systems. Dan outlines how traditional credential verification can take weeks—or even months—before clinicians are approved to begin work. Through Credivera’s partnership with TruMerit, digital credentialing solutions are helping healthcare organizations dramatically reduce administrative bottlenecks while improving trust and patient safety. Faster verification means qualified professionals can get to the bedside more quickly, helping health systems respond more effectively to workforce demands. Leah and Dan also explore the broader implications of interoperability and open standards in digital identity technology. Rather than locking professionals into one system or platform, verifiable credentials are designed to remain portable throughout a worker’s career journey. This flexibility creates a more connected and globally accessible workforce while allowing healthcare professionals to maintain ownership and control of their credentials. Another important theme throughout the conversation is trust. Dan emphasizes that digital identity is not simply about technology—it is about validating the hard work, experience, and expertise healthcare professionals have earned throughout their careers. By creating systems that are secure, transparent, and universally recognized, organizations can strengthen confidence across employers, regulators, and patients alike. Listeners will come away from this episode with a deeper understanding of how digital identity and verifiable credentials are reshaping the future of healthcare workforce mobility. Dan’s insights demonstrate how technology can remove barriers, accelerate career opportunities, and build a more efficient and trusted global healthcare ecosystem. For more episodes of Care Anywhere: The Global Health Workforce Podcast, visit TruMerit.org or listen on your favorite podcast platform.

    54 min
  5. The Power of Story: Shaping Hearts and Minds through Documentary Films | Carolyn Jones & Lisa Frank | EP 23

    Apr 29 ·  Video

    The Power of Story: Shaping Hearts and Minds through Documentary Films | Carolyn Jones & Lisa Frank | EP 23

    In this episode of Care Anywhere, host Lea Sims explores the transformative power of storytelling in healthcare through documentary film. She is joined by acclaimed filmmaker Carolyn Jones and creative leader Lisa Frank to discuss how powerful narratives can shape perceptions, influence decision-making, and drive meaningful change across healthcare systems. Carolyn and Lisa share their experiences bringing real stories to life, highlighting the unique role documentary filmmaking plays in elevating authentic human experiences. Through unscripted moments and deeply personal narratives, storytelling becomes more than a creative endeavor—it becomes a tool for empathy, education, and advocacy. Their work demonstrates how film can spotlight the realities of healthcare, amplify underrepresented voices, and foster deeper understanding among audiences. Throughout the conversation, Carolyn and Lisa provide insight into the creative and ethical process behind impactful storytelling. From gaining the trust of participants to responsibly capturing sensitive moments, they emphasize the importance of authenticity, respect, and intentionality. The most compelling stories, they explain, are those that create emotional connection—allowing viewers to see the humanity behind the profession and the people within it. Lea, Carolyn, and Lisa also discuss how storytelling influences behavior and decision-making in healthcare. Stories can inspire patients, inform clinicians, and guide leaders by offering perspectives that data alone cannot convey. By blending narrative with insight, documentary storytelling becomes a powerful way to bridge gaps, challenge assumptions, and encourage more human-centered approaches to care. Another key theme of the episode is the evolving media landscape and the growing demand for authentic content. Carolyn and Lisa explore how documentary-style storytelling helps organizations build trust and communicate complex ideas in a relatable way. In an increasingly digital world, stories that feel real and emotionally resonant stand out—and have the potential to create lasting impact. Listeners will come away from this episode with a deeper appreciation for how storytelling can shape hearts and minds. Carolyn and Lisa’s perspectives highlight the critical role of narrative in humanizing healthcare, elevating important conversations, and inspiring progress across the industry. For more episodes of Care Anywhere: The Global Health Workforce Podcast, visit TruMerit.org or listen on your favorite podcast platform.

    51 min
  6. Nightingales Summit: Empowering the Next Generation of Nigerian Nurses | Arowosegbe Obafemi | EP 22

    Apr 2 ·  Video

    Nightingales Summit: Empowering the Next Generation of Nigerian Nurses | Arowosegbe Obafemi | EP 22

    In this episode of Care Anywhere, host Lea Sims sits down with Nigerian nurse entrepreneur and advocate Obafemi Arowosegbe to discuss leadership, mentorship, and the future of nursing in Africa. While still a nursing student, Obafemi founded the Nightingale Summit, a growing conference designed to empower nursing students and early-career nurses with leadership skills, professional development opportunities, and a broader vision of what the nursing profession can become. Obafemi shares his personal journey into nursing, including the unconventional path that led him from a different university program into the profession. While navigating the demanding realities of nursing school—heavy coursework, clinical training, and emotional stress—he began documenting his experiences and lessons online. His goal was simple: inspire other nursing students to see their potential, overcome challenges, and approach their careers with intention and confidence. Throughout the conversation, Obafemi reflects on the universal challenges nursing students face, from time management and academic pressure to the emotional impact of clinical placements. He emphasizes the importance of self-care, intentional planning, and reflection as tools that helped him stay grounded during his training. These experiences ultimately fueled his desire to create a platform where nursing students could learn from each other, build community, and prepare for meaningful careers. The Nightingale Summit was born from that vision. What started as a student-led initiative has grown into a multi-institution gathering that connects students with experienced professionals, encourages mentorship, and highlights opportunities beyond traditional bedside roles. Obafemi explains that many nursing students lack access to structured mentorship and career guidance, and the summit aims to close that gap by helping young nurses develop leadership skills, expand their networks, and explore paths in research, advocacy, education, and innovation. Lea and Obafemi also discuss the evolving perception of nursing in Nigeria and across Africa. Historically, the profession has often been viewed as a supporting role rather than a leadership pathway. Obafemi believes that changing this narrative begins with education and visibility—exposing students to leadership, research, and innovation early in their training while showcasing the impact nurses can have beyond clinical care. Another important theme of the conversation is the global mobility of nurses. Many Nigerian nurses pursue careers abroad due to limited opportunities at home, but Obafemi stresses that strengthening the profession locally is just as important. Through writing, mentorship initiatives, and platforms like the Nightingale Summit, he hopes to inspire nurses to see themselves as changemakers capable of shaping healthcare systems both locally and globally. Listeners will come away from this episode inspired by the energy and vision of a new generation of nurse leaders. Obafemi’s story highlights how young professionals can drive meaningful change in their communities by building platforms, fostering mentorship, and expanding what nursing leadership looks like in the 21st century. For more episodes of Care Anywhere: The Global Health Workforce Podcast, visit TruMerit.org or listen on your favorite podcast platform.

    29 min
  7. The Tech-Enabled Hospital of the Future: Implications for Care Delivery | Robin Goldsmith | EP 21

    Mar 12 ·  Video

    The Tech-Enabled Hospital of the Future: Implications for Care Delivery | Robin Goldsmith | EP 21

    Gone are the days when a hospital was simply a place where patients received care. Today’s hospitals are rapidly evolving into highly connected ecosystems powered by advanced technology, networked devices, and real-time data. The modern hospital is no longer confined to physical walls—it’s a dynamic digital environment where data flows seamlessly, AI supports clinical decisions, and care can happen anywhere. In this episode of Care Anywhere, host Lea Sims sits down with Robin Goldsmith, Practice Leader for Healthcare, Insurance, and Life Sciences at Verizon Business, to explore how technology is transforming hospitals today—and what the future holds. Drawing on his experience guiding large-scale healthcare digital transformations, Robin shares what it truly means to build a “tech-enabled hospital.” Lea and Robin discuss how hospitals are laying the digital foundation for AI-driven care. From virtual nursing models and ambient voice technology to computer vision and medical IoT devices, health systems are integrating technologies that enhance clinical workflows and provide real-time insights at the point of care. These tools not only support faster diagnosis and treatment but also improve operational efficiency and patient outcomes. At the center of this transformation is connectivity. Hospitals now rely on powerful, resilient networks to support everything from patient monitoring and fall detection to imaging and rapid diagnostics. Robin explains why traditional Wi-Fi alone can’t meet today’s data demands, leading many health systems to adopt private wireless networks like private 5G for greater speed, reliability, and security. The conversation also highlights the growing importance of cybersecurity and network resilience as healthcare becomes increasingly digital. And beyond hospital walls, Lea and Robin explore how hospital-at-home programs and remote monitoring are expanding care delivery, enabling clinicians to treat patients wherever they are. Ultimately, technology’s greatest value lies in supporting—not replacing—the human side of healthcare, allowing clinicians to focus more on patient care and less on administrative burden. Tune in to the full episode of Care Anywhere: The Global Health Workforce Podcast at TruMerit.org or on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other major platforms.

    45 min
  8. The DAISY Foundation: Impacting Nurse Careers Through Recognition | Deb Zimmermann & Bonnie Barnes | EP 20

    Feb 12 ·  Video

    The DAISY Foundation: Impacting Nurse Careers Through Recognition | Deb Zimmermann & Bonnie Barnes | EP 20

    Recognition is often described as a “nice to have” in healthcare, but on this episode of Care Anywhere, it’s framed as something far more essential. Host Lea Sims sits down with Deb Zimmermann, DNP, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN, Chief Executive Officer of The DAISY Foundation, and Bonnie Barnes, FAAN, co-founder of the organization, to explore how meaningful recognition can shape nurse careers, strengthen resilience, and sustain the global nursing workforce over time. Bonnie shares the deeply personal story behind the founding of The DAISY Foundation, which began after the loss of her stepson and grew into a global movement honoring extraordinary, compassionate nursing care. What started as a simple act of gratitude has since expanded to more than 7,700 healthcare organizations and nursing schools across 45 countries, giving patients, families, and colleagues a way to recognize the nurses who make a lasting difference in their lives. Deb brings the perspective of both a nurse leader and a former DAISY Award recipient organization, unpacking why recognition is not just emotionally meaningful but strategically vital. She explains how patient- and family-driven recognition reinforces purpose, builds compassion satisfaction, and helps nurses reconnect with why they entered the profession in the first place. Together, Deb and Bonnie highlight research showing that meaningful recognition supports retention, teamwork, engagement, and even long-term career longevity, including nurses who remain at the bedside for decades. The conversation also looks beyond individual impact to the broader global workforce. As nursing shortages persist worldwide, Deb and Bonnie discuss how recognition can serve as a unifying force across cultures, health systems, and borders, reminding nurses everywhere that their work is seen, valued, and essential. From bedside clinicians to educators and leaders, the DAISY model offers a way to elevate nursing at every stage of a career. Listeners will come away with a powerful reminder that gratitude, when made visible and intentional, can be a catalyst for resilience, policy conversations, and a healthier future for the global nursing workforce. Tune in to the full episode of Care Anywhere: The Global Health Workforce Podcast on TruMerit.org or listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast platform.

    37 min

About

Welcome to the "Care Anywhere Podcast: The Global Health Workforce Podcast." Our series delves into the dynamic world of global health workforce development. Join us as we engage with subject matter experts, thought leaders, and practitioners in insightful discussions on the evolving practices, addressing workforce shortages, and meeting the global demand for healthcare talent. Explore the critical intersections shaping the future of healthcare worldwide with us.