EP98: Why Healthy Work Environments Are Non-Negotiable

In this episode of the Coffee Break Podcast, Dr. Renee sits down with Dr. Vicki Good, Chief Clinical Officer of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN), to talk about the six Healthy Work Environment (HWE) standards and how, even 20 years later, they’re still the gold standard for creating safe, respectful, and high-performing work cultures in healthcare. Dr. Good shares insights on AACN’s national research and collaborative efforts to bring these standards to life in real-world settings. They also explore how these standards apply to all healthcare environments – not just critical care – and how they’ve evolved to address interprofessional collaboration, burnout, meaningful recognition, and more. Whether you're a nurse leader, bedside clinician, or someone passionate about improving work culture in healthcare, this episode will leave you inspired to take action. As Vicki says, “Healthy work environments are a way to be, not a thing to do.”