The Productivi-Tea: Sipping on SNF Reality
In this episode, we spill the tea on the impact of productivity standards on moral distress in allied healthcare within skilled nursing facilities (SNFs). We share personal stories and reflect on Akyko West's research, highlighting the ethical dilemmas that arise from unrealistic expectations. Our discussion emphasizes the correlation between high productivity demands and clinician burnout, as well as potential solutions, such as setting boundaries and advocating for realistic expectations. We aim to empower listeners to navigate the challenges of productivity-driven environments while prioritizing patient care. Now let's hope we don't get fired.
Productivity: the push button topic in the SNF world. If you’ve ever felt torn between what’s ethical and what’s expected, this episode will hit home.
Instead of a research article, we dive into Akyko S. West’s dissertation on productivity requirements and moral distress in SNF rehab therapists (SLPs, PTs, OTs, RTs, and their assistants). This paper READS like every conversation we’ve had in break rooms for yearsss.
In this episode, we cover:
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Why productivity expectations in SNFs feel impossible
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What West discovered about moral distress across 152 rehab clinicians
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How difficult-to-meet productivity demands impact clinical judgment
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Why negative consequences—not productivity alone—drive distress
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The ethics conversations no one wants to have but everyone needs
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Personal stories from the field (PRN trauma included)
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Why the “sweet spot” for ethical productivity still doesn’t exist
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What therapists can realistically do to protect patients and themselves
We get real about navigating profit-driven healthcare, maintaining integrity, advocating for yourself, and knowing when to walk away.
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