Author: Dorron Blumberg

The South Florida Healthcare Executive Forum, Inc. (SFHEF) is an international professional society of more than 30,000 healthcare executives who lead hospitals, healthcare systems and other healthcare organizations. While its members come from many different backgrounds, board member-at-large Simone Fearon, MD, would like to see more participation from physicians, 

At VITAS Healthcare, nurses are at the core of everything we do. They’re a fundamental part of every hospice team, caring for our patients and families. Nurses are also integral to our origin: In 1978, a registered nurse, Esther Colliflower, and a Methodist minister, Hugh Westbrook, founded the hospice company that would become VITAS Healthcare.

The nursing profession has grown tremendously in the areas of respect, accountability, and impact on patient and organizational outcomes. Several significant challenges, however, must be addressed so that the difference nurses can make is fully realized and the joy and fulfillment that the practice can bring to nurses is fully appreciated.