What happens when economic pressure meets patient care? Lori King gives us the pulse check.

Phil Wilson sits down with Lori King—a nurse, educator, executive, and labor relations strategist, to discuss the operational storm brewing in healthcare. From staffing ratios to legislative landmines, Lori explains how hospitals navigate a system under pressure and what it takes to keep care teams functioning while balancing budgets and burnout.

This episode explores the real labor issues facing healthcare providers in both union and non-union environments. It also previews the Big Sky Labor and Employment Conference, a space designed not for grandstanding but for practical problem-solving that bridges the labor-management divide.

Key Takeaways

• Healthcare is a business — and pretending otherwise risks both care quality and workforce stability.
• Staffing ratios aren’t a silver bullet — Patient needs vary wildly, and blanket rules often do more harm than good.
• Clinicians need financial literacy — To bridge the management gap, staff must understand the economics of care.
• Unions vs. management is too simple — The real work happens when both sides sit down and discuss outcomes.
• Labor relations in healthcare are personal. Lori’s background as a provider gives her a rare, balanced view.
• Big Sky Labor and Employment Conference = big ideas — The conference brings together leaders from across the aisle to build better systems, not just battle each other.

Guest Info:

Lori King: LinkedIn | Big Sky Labor and Employment Conference

Phil Wilson: LinkedIn

Chapters

00:00 Navigating Healthcare Labor Relations

04:10 Understanding Diverse Perspectives in Healthcare

12:56 Key Labor Issues in Healthcare

18:30 Organizing Across Healthcare Professions

24:19 Staffing Challenges in Healthcare

26:08 Understanding Staffing Ratios in Healthcare

30:00 The Complexity of Patient Care and Staffing

32:17 Navigating Legislative Pressures in Healthcare

34:51 Innovative Staffing Solutions in Virginia

36:46 Challenges of Compliance and Penalties in Staffing

39:25 Optimism in Labor Relations and Conferences

45:23 Leadership Lessons and Effective Communication