Good Friday morning readers!

Here are stories we're tracking as we wrap up the work week at HealthLeaders.

After years of tight margins made worse by the pandemic, many hospitals are beginning to feel a measure of relief. But how much financial strain did the pandemic really put on hospitals and health systems? In Pennsylvania, it was $8.1 billion worth of strife. Amanda Norris explains.
Nurses are frustrated, and the recent union activity is indicative of large, widespread problems in the nursing industry with staffing, work environment, and nurse wellbeing. While it is the CNO's responsibility to address those issues and to facilitate those conversations, it can be challenging. G Hatfield has this video interview.

Hospitals Book Billions in COVID Costs

Healthcare CFOs know the pandemic cost them big, but now there's a number attached for one state. Although most hospitals and health systems remained financially stable due to COVID relief funds, those funds have since dried up while the same challenges remain.

'If They're Here, They're Here': Communicating with Nursing Unions

To get the bigger picture on what's driving nurse dissatisfaction and unionization, we talk with Katie Boston-Leary, director of Nursing Programs at the ANA.

Sponsored
How to Use Analytics to Succeed Under Value-Based Care

Moving to a value-driven system can be challenging for healthcare organizations, so read this strategic guide to help payers and providers along the way.

3 Priorities to Deploy for Financial Success

The CFO of Montage Health detailed three financial priorities for his hospital.

Why Solving the 'Work Problem' Is a Must for CEOs

Reducing the workload on caregivers and staff needs to be the priority, says one health system leader.

Rev Cycle Front End Operations Hardest to Staff

HealthLeaders surveyed over 80 revenue cycle leaders to see what they’ll be focusing on in the new year.

Why CVS Health's New CFO Will Impact Healthcare Market Dynamics

CVS Health announced a new CFO, a move that signals its commitment to adapting to market dynamics and staying ahead of the competition.

Around the Web

Hospitals offer their custom-built tech for sale in search of new revenue streams — STAT News
Drugmakers hiking prices for more than 700 medications, including Ozempic and Mounjaro — CBS News
Chicago's NorthShore hospital to pay $55M in class-action settlement — Reuters
Hackers stole $7.5M in HHS grant money — Bloomberg
Employers are struggling to figure out if they're overpaying for health care — Axios
Cigna announces senior leadership changes — Hartford Business Journal
UMMC hospital leader sentenced to 21 months in prison, ordered to pay $11M in conspiracy case — Houston Chronicle

Look out for the start of our special series, starting today with Leadership Development.

This is part of 4 new issues per month that you will receive, as an add-on to your subscription of HealthLeaders Briefing. You spend a lot of time developing your workforce. But how do you develop your career?

Leadership Development offers the latest strategies you need to elevate your leadership skills. These issues are complimentary. As always, you can manage your subscriptions in our preference center.

That's all for Friday's Daily Briefing!

If you've got news tips, thoughts, or suggestions, let me know at jcommins@healthleadersmedia.com.