Kathryn Nichol: Leading from a Place of Compassion

Healthcare Change Makers

Today we’re talking with Kathryn Nichol, who is President and CEO of VHA Home HealthCare. She stepped into the role in early 2021 after several years at VHA working as Vice President Quality, Best Practice, Research and Education.

Our aging population, movement towards a community-based model of care, and the pandemic have put the spotlight on homecare like never before. For Kathryn, this has reinforced homecare’s crucial role in facilitating the flow of people out of hospital so they can return to their homes where they want to be.

Her initial desire was to go to medical school but when that proved too expensive, she happily went to nursing school and worked as a frontline nurse for several years before discovering her passionate interest in research.

Having a clinical background in a leadership position Kathryn says is valuable – not just for her but for all healthcare leaders – because it enables them to lead from a place of compassion.

Quotables

“There is a ton of pride because homecare never stopped for a moment.” - KN

“There was a realization that homecare is a very safe way to provide care in a pandemic. It’s much safer than providing care in an institution where there’s many more people involved, and you have to be closer together.” – KN

“If we don’t have people who want to work in our sector and who are compensated at an equal level, they’re going to leave.” – KN

“The capacity issue is more acute than it ever has been before.” – KN

“If I had superpowers, homecare would be recognized as a clinical specialty and our workers recognized as clinical specialists because it takes a very unique set of skills to be able to operate in this kind of environment.” – KN

“Those people who were self-deployed for a month into LTC, that is the most remarkable example of courageous leadership I can share with you.” – KN

“Homecare is significantly understudied yet it’s an incredibly important part of our healthcare system.” – KN

“Health system leaders with some kind of clinical background is more important than ever before because you’re leading from a place of compassion in a field that is people-based.” - KN

“When you find yourself at the top of ‘S curve’, it’s time to disrupt yourself. You have to jump to your next curve.” - KN

Mentioned in this Episode:

VHA Home Healthcare

Dr. Samir Sinha

Disrupt Yourself by Whitney Johnson

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