Welcome to March 2020 — the month of Health Care HR Week, St. Patrick’s Day, the start of daylight saving time, the first day of spring and, unfortunately, COVID-19. I had a lovely idea for a brief missive about Health Care HR Week but COVID-19 meetings and prep nixed that plan.

We all know how nasty this virus is, but for many people the age-old hospital mantra — handwashing, more handwashing and better handwashing — is still one of the best ways to avoid COVID-19. Wouldn’t it be nice if everyone had the handwashing habits of health care professionals? And by the way, if you need to consult with other HR professionals about COVID-19 check out the ASHHRA Exchange. Times like this are when the Exchange can be an effective tool to share knowledge and best practices in a timely fashion.

I hope that this COVID-19 concern will not ruin the March 16-20 Health Care HR Week for everyone. My wish is that all of the things planned for our HR cohorts will go off without a hitch and that there will be many fun and meaningful activities for HR staff. If you are a little behind the eight ball due to workload, remember there are links on the ASHHRA website with activity ideas and Health Care HR Week gifts for HR professionals. Here’s to wishing you a Happy St. Patrick’s Day, a great Health Care HR Week, but most of all I wish everyone a healthy, virus-free March.

Keep washing those hands and covering those coughs!

Willis E. Tisdale, CHHR, PHR, SHRM-CP
ASHHRA President, 2020