By Intermountain’s Executive Leadership Team
Since Intermountain accepted the first COVID-19 patient on February 28, 2020, caregivers in all capacities have risen to the challenge. And you continue to rise to that challenge today, with creativity, determination, grit, and resilience. As we’ve rounded with your teams, you’ve expressed your feelings and concerns. You’re tired and worried about what the coming months will bring. You don’t know what to expect each day as you come to work and intensity levels grow. The impact of staffing and a heavy workload are affecting your well-being.
As CEO Marc Harrison, MD, said in his news conference with Utah Governor Spencer Cox on Tuesday, “It has been unrelenting stresses that [our caregivers] have faced.” All of these things are accumulating—and we want you to know we see you, we hear you, and—more importantly—we need you.
All Intermountain caregivers will receive an extra $500 on Friday, September 3. During this exceptionally trying time, we express our deepest appreciation to each of you. It’s been inspiring to witness your determination through the pandemic since early 2020 and continuing into 2021, as many of us are still being pushed to our limits—personally and professionally. Though we’ll be forever indebted to you for the many sacrifices you’ve made to put our patients first, we hope this small gesture helps you feel our gratitude for your resolve to help those who needed you. And to be frank, we know this bonus doesn’t solve everything. We’d like to simply say, thank you. Please use this money to do something that brings you joy.
Remember: As you take care of others during this challenging time, it’s also important to take care of yourself. Expressing deep pride and admiration for all Intermountain caregivers, Marc also asked the community to show their support as well, because we all could use it right now. Our teams are working quickly on solutions for staffing to bring more support to areas of need—bringing in travel nurses, using same-day hiring, offering staffing incentives, and asking non-clinical caregivers to fill shifts.
Please continue to share your ideas with your leader on testing, staffing, and how to make care better. Your first-hand experiences help drive what we implement. And when you start to feel the weight of the world, pause. Talk to your leader and step away, even for five minutes. Don’t neglect your own well-being. Check in with yourself and others often. You can find resources to care for yourself here. Intermountain’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available for appointments and CARE sessions, and you can call the Behavioral Health Navigation Line to learn about other resources: 833-442-2211.
Together, we’ll continue to make a difference. We’re proud of the work you do and grateful for the compassionate care you provide. Thank you for your dedication to provide the best possible healthcare for the people we serve.
NOTE: The $500 payment won’t be included in your regular paycheck and will be a separate deposit. Every caregiver—regardless of full-time, part-time, or PRN status—will receive $500, except for senior leaders and caregivers on a long-term leave of absence.