A presentation of the good, the bad, and the wonderful aspects of one family’s journey through the health care system
While on a bicycling vacation in 2003, CJ Johnson, wife of well-known author, speaker and corporate culture expert Larry Johnson was involved in an accident that changed their world. Despite wearing a helmet, CJ sustained a closed-head injury that put her in a coma for eight weeks, and a persistent vegetative state for seven months. Going from hospitalization in intensive care, to skilled nursing facilities to home health care, CJ and Larry experienced first-hand what it’s like to be served by caregivers, technicians, nurses, doctors, therapists, administrators.
Inspirational
This presentation is Larry’s personal story about that journey. It is guaranteed to touch the hearts of the audience and make them glad they have chosen their noble profession.
Informative
It also shows the audience some of the flaws in the health care system as seen from his personal experience, and offers concrete suggestions to correct those flaws. It also celebrates the good that the tremendous good that health care offers to its clients and their families.
Audience takeaways
1. A fresh commitment to providing superlative care.
2. Scheduling suggestions that will improve patient/resident satisfaction scores.
3. Techniques for motivating caregivers so they take even better care.
4. Criteria for culling mediocre staff from your winners.
5. A fresh approach for creating a culture of accountability where everyone takes responsibility for excellent care.
6. One critical idea for reducing employee turnover.
7. A new awareness of the negative behavior patterns that staff can sometimes slip into and what to do about it.
8. New energy for delivering care for residents, patients and clients.
Two versions
For Caregivers – this version focuses on actual caregivers and is designed to remind them of the basics and celebrate them for the challenging and rewarding work they do.
For Managers: this version includes the inspiration of the Caregiver version, but also includes what managers can do to build a culture of accountability where staff are more likely to take responsibility for delivering the quality of care patients and residents deserve.
Testimonials
“Probably the greatest testament to Larry’s presentation at our event was the spontaneous reaction of our 200 staff members when he introduced his wife CJ. The eruption of applause and standing ovation were quickly stilled when CJ spoke from her wheelchair while Larry held the microphone. Evaluations touted it as “the best Staff Day ever.” I would highly recommend Larry’s and CJ’s “There Is No They.” It will rekindle your spirit and leave you grateful for the opportunity you have to care for others. It’s an investment definitely worth making.Mary Lou Dahms, Director of Development, Hospice of Red River Valley, Fargo, ND“Thanks for sharing your personal experience with us. Hopefully each of us will be reminded of how important privacy, dignity, and independence is to every elder resident we care for.”
Susan Breazeale, Director of Nursing, Lila Doyle, Serreca, SC, SCHCA
“Larry, you are a wonderful speaker and it is very interesting to hear about our industry from the client side of the room. I had never thought about why people wanted the window-bed. I loved the term you used for our semi-private rooms, ‘semi-public.’”
Robin C. Jones, RN, DON, Subacute Care, SHRS, SCHCA
“In their keynote presentation… Larry and CJ shared the journey they have taken through the health care system since CJ’s accident. They offered priceless insights into how the system worked for and against them. They described how it was the kindness of individual care-takers that made all the difference. Their message was so powerful and touching that by the end, there were very few dry eyes in the room. Here are some of the comments from our members: ‘EXCELLENT – I want you to come to our general staff meeting to speak to all our employees!’ Needless to say, I highly recommend Larry and CJ to speak at you next meeting. Vicki McAllister, Executive Director, McDowell Village Senior Living Community
“So real, goes right to the heart. All health care workers should see them speak. So often we forget where our families and residents are and it is so important to see it from their side and remember why we do what we do.” Georgi Massingill, Admissions Director, Westchester Care Center, Tempe AZ.
“I appreciate CJ’s willingness to share her feelings and Larry’s willingness to bring CJ. Your information is valuable to all of us in health care.” Linda Carroll, Director of Social Services, Plaza West Care Center, Topeka, KS.
“Your life experience and delivery is very captivating. Thank you for sharing your story.” Andy Buckholtz, Executive Director, Sunrise of Lenexa, KS.
“BLESS YOU – THANK YOU. You brought back to me why I do what I do.”
Brian Griffiths, Administrator, Medical Lodge of Goddard
The only speaker I’ve heard in the past few years that will cause me to change my attitude – for the better. Incredible – FYI I’m 25 years old. Allison Williams, Workforce Coordinator, Oklahoma Primary Care Association
Inspiring! Such a great thing to remind a room full of people focusing on the problems of health care – why we are trying to make things better is because of our patients. Leha Richardson, Director of Patient Care Services, Norman Regional Health System
Larry was a wonderful speaker; related to the aspects that really effect organizations. These are things we will take back to our organization. Lindsey Weathers, Staff Training, St. John Health