Patti Lael, Nursing Executive

What is your role at SONIFI Health?

I engage hospitals in selection of video education and help them with customizing the system they purchase and support them through the process. I also give clinical support to other team members as needed for various projects.

Tell us a little about your experience working in healthcare.

I have more than 30 years as a RN, with 20 of those years as a bedside ICU nurse in a Neuro/Trauma ICU, as well as experience as a Patient Care Manager/Social Work Manager, Patient Advocate, and Patient Experience Liaison for Mercy Health Systems.

How do you think technology is changing nursing today and are there things technology doesn’t change about nursing?

Technology now assists nurses to more effectively care for patients. The easy access of education, distraction therapies now available, nursing rounding tools, and smart pumps used for IV fluids that can all interface with EMRs. There’s also improved telemetry and ICU monitors as a few more examples of how technology has helped to improve patient care and workflow for nurses. Nursing will always continue to be a hands-on discipline. Patients still need the human touch for their overall well-being and healing.

What is your favorite part of your job?

I like interacting with clients and helping them make the choices for their system, but my favorite part of the job is working with the hospital staff during training.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

I enjoy being with family, watching movies and volunteering at the St. Louis Crisis Nursery.

What do you see as some of the big or new challenges facing nurses and care providers today?

Short staffing at the bedside with the increase in responsibilities caring for patients and the decrease in support staff.