More Than Medicine: Building a Culture of Care at Valley Health

When host of The Valley Today, Janet Michael steps into Winchester Medical Center, she's greeted not only by a freshly rearranged office but by the unwavering enthusiasm of Chris Rucker, Chief Administrative Officer for Valley Health. Their lively conversation reveals what it takes to maintain a thriving healthcare workforce — especially in a profession where stress is high, expectations are higher, and compassion is non-negotiable. Award-Winning Employee Experience Valley Health has earned multiple national recognitions this year — including Forbes rankings for top healthcare employers and best-in-state workplaces. What makes those honors especially meaningful, Chris explains, is that the organization doesn't apply for them. Independent research firms survey employees directly, asking what it's really like to work there. The positive feedback validates Valley Health's commitment to its people — and reassures patients that they're being cared for by professionals who love where they work. Healthcare Takes a Village Chris passionately reminds Janet that everyone inside the Valley Health system is a caregiver — even those nowhere near an exam room. Construction crews repairing walls overnight. Environmental services teams polishing hallways while patients sleep. Security, valets, administrative staff, and tech support. With 6,200 employees across the region, the health system represents nearly every job imaginable — and each one contributes to patient well-being, comfort, and confidence. Taking Care of the People Who Care for Us Healthcare is one of the toughest professions — physically, emotionally, and mentally. So Valley Health invests intentionally in appreciation, recognition, and family support. From employee-of-the-month celebrations to family fun days with pumpkins and bounce houses, the system creates gathering spaces where relationships can grow outside clinical stress. And then there's the Turkey tradition. Every November, team members drive through with their families to receive a Thanksgiving turkey — a small perk with a big message. "It's about family," Chris says — acknowledging that work schedule disruptions affect entire households. In fact, CEO Mark Nantz has even worn a full turkey costume during past events, although one patient in the parking lot once thought he was a duck. Retention Through Relationships, Not Just Raises Janet notes that today's workforce isn't swayed by an extra dollar — they stay where they feel valued. Chris agrees, especially when speaking about younger staff, who are eager for: Skill development Career pathways Mentorship Advancement opportunities That is why Valley Health prioritizes education support, cross-training, and leadership development. "Thinking about what each individual employee type wants is part of what makes us a great employer," Chris explains. When "Not Feeling Safe" Is the Real Threat The darker side of healthcare? Abuse of providers. Chris shares that assaults, threats, and intimidation toward staff occur daily. It's an emotional blow to caregivers dedicated to helping others. Their "zero-tolerance" policy protects employees — and preserves a healthy workplace culture. Healthcare, he says, is a calling, but it shouldn't come with bruises. Hiring With Heart — and Strategy Valley Health is always recruiting — roughly 100 to 120 new hires a month — but staffing isn't just about filling shifts. It's about deliberately preparing for the community's future. Using a physician-needs assessment every three years, they analyze population changes, disease trends, service gaps, and resource sustainability.  That is precisely how new specialties enter the region, like Dr. Trimble Spitzer's fertility practice, which Chris says fills a long-standing gap in local care. Sourcing talent is also about making sure physicians — and their families — feel at home. Whether someone needs equestrian facilities for their child, a nearby mosque, or Croatian-speaking neighbors for aging parents — Valley Health handles those details, too. Safe Care, Advanced Tools For employees and patients alike, one foundational promise guides everything: "Valley Health only provides safe healthcare." To keep that promise, the system invests in the latest medical technologies — from robotic surgical systems to highly specialized imaging — ensuring that physicians can practice at the top of their license and patients receive the best possible outcomes. A Place You Want to Be — On Both Sides of the Bedrail Chris beams when he talks about the community. He raised his children here. He sees people move to the Valley specifically to work for the health system. And he loves looking out at new-employee orientation to find team members eager to serve. Because when someone lands in a hospital bed — often on one of the worst days of their life — the little things matter like a warm greeting, clear communication, timely updates, and a feeling of being seen. Patients may not understand clinical complexity — but they always remember how they were treated. There's a Role for Everyone You don't need a medical degree to be part of healthcare. High school diploma? Associate's degree? Master's? There is a Valley Health career for you. Interested listeners can visit https://www.valleyhealthlink.com/careers/ to explore openings. With hundreds of new roles coming in the next year, the door is wide open. A Culture Where Caregivers Feel Cared For As the conversation wraps, Janet thanks Chris for his insight — and he answers with the warmth of a leader who genuinely loves his team. From award-winning recognition to turkey suit laughter, Valley Health proves that exceptional patient care begins with exceptional people care.