healthcare management

Strengthening the Nursing Workforce

Posted on by Mark Moran

The pandemic of 2020 played a key role in nurse burnout, dissatisfaction and retirements.  Many nurses left the field or displayed discontentment with facilities.  The new challenge is to replenish the nursing workforce and strengthen it.  Healthcare managers within departments can play a key role in improving conditions, keeping existing staff, and modernizing the department.  It is critical within the next decade to replenish and strengthen the nursing field.  There are many individuals still interested in nursing and graduating.  Jobs are quickly filled but it is important to keep staff and treat staff with the proper care to keep them.  That includes better pay, tools and management that does not stifle their jobs, and various tuition and learning education reimbursement or opportunities.   Many nurses also look for more flexibility so they too can have a personal life.  These are all challenges for hospitals, facilities, and healthcare managers in the near future in strengthening the nursing workforce.

Healthcare managers can play a large role in strengthening the nursing force. Nurses need better incentives, educational reimbursement and advancement, flexibility and the modern tools to perform their tasks. These issues fall to the hospital and healthcare managers to make it possible

 

The article, “Rebuilding a strong and healthy nursing workforce | Viewpoint” by Felicia Sadler looks at many of these points in making nursing more attractive by modernizing the workforce and granting the things that attract good nurses the most.  She states,

“According to nurses, the most important factors for overall job satisfaction are regular merit increases, the ability to perform to the full scope of their nursing practice, and tuition reimbursement. Other benefits such as employee housing and loan forgiveness programs can improve job satisfaction and prevent nurses from leaving.”

“Rebuilding a strong and healthy nursing workforce | Viewpoint”. Sadler, F. (2023). Chief Healthcare Executive

To read the entire article, please click here

It is hence critical to healthcare managers to build the next generation of nurses by rewarding them well.  Keeping good nurse is key and that is through meeting their needs in the modern world.

Qualities and Characteristics of ‘The Good Nurse’

The qualities and characteristics that define ‘The Good Nurse’ go beyond clinical proficiency and technical skills. While competence in medical procedures and treatments is undoubtedly crucial, it is the intangible qualities that truly set ‘The Good Nurse’ apart. Compassion, empathy, and the ability to connect with patients on a human level form the cornerstone of their practice. They possess a deep understanding of the physical and emotional needs of their patients, allowing them to provide holistic care that extends beyond the medical aspect.

Moreover, ‘The Good Nurse’ exhibits exceptional communication skills, both with patients and their colleagues. They can translate complex medical information into accessible language for patients and their families, fostering a sense of empowerment and understanding. Additionally, their ability to collaborate effectively with other healthcare professionals ensures seamless coordination of care, enhancing patient outcomes and satisfaction.

Resilience and adaptability are also hallmark traits of ‘The Good Nurse’. They navigate high-pressure situations with grace and composure, remaining steadfast in their commitment to patient care. Their ability to stay calm and focused in challenging circumstances serves as a source of strength for both patients and their colleagues. Furthermore, ‘The Good Nurse’ demonstrates a continuous pursuit of learning and improvement, staying abreast of the latest advancements in healthcare to deliver evidence-based and patient-centered care.

Impact of ‘The Good Nurse’ on Patient Care

The impact of ‘The Good Nurse’ on patient care is profound and far-reaching. Their presence in healthcare settings elevates the overall quality of care and enhances the patient experience. Through their empathetic approach, ‘The Good Nurse’ establishes a therapeutic rapport with patients, fostering a sense of trust and comfort. This, in turn, contributes to improved patient satisfaction and adherence to treatment plans.

Furthermore, ‘The Good Nurse’ plays a pivotal role in patient education, empowering individuals to take an active role in their health management. By providing clear and comprehensive information, they enable patients to make informed decisions about their care and treatment options. This patient empowerment not only improves health outcomes but also cultivates a sense of autonomy and self-efficacy.

In addition to the direct impact on patients, ‘The Good Nurse’ also influences the overall dynamics of the healthcare team. Their collaborative approach fosters a culture of open communication and mutual respect, leading to enhanced teamwork and coordination. This, in turn, has a ripple effect on patient care, as seamless collaboration among healthcare professionals contributes to streamlined and efficient delivery of services.

Challenges Faced by ‘The Good Nurse’

Despite their invaluable contributions to the healthcare system, ‘The Good Nurse’ faces a myriad of challenges in their professional journey. One of the prominent challenges is the high-stress environment inherent in healthcare settings. The demanding nature of patient care, long hours, and exposure to emotional and traumatic situations can take a toll on their well-being. It is essential to recognize and address the mental health and emotional resilience of ‘The Good Nurse’ to ensure their sustained well-being and ability to provide quality care.

Moreover, ‘The Good Nurse’ often grapples with staffing shortages and heavy workloads, leading to fatigue and burnout. The relentless pace of healthcare delivery, coupled with the increasing acuity of patient conditions, can result in physical and emotional exhaustion. It is imperative for healthcare organizations to implement strategies that support ‘The Good Nurse’ in managing their workload and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Another significant challenge is the potential for moral distress and ethical dilemmas in clinical practice. ‘The Good Nurse’ may encounter situations where their professional values and ethical principles are tested, leading to internal conflict and moral anguish. Providing them with avenues for ethical reflection, support, and mentorship is crucial in navigating these complex scenarios while upholding their integrity and commitment to patient well-being.

Strategies for Developing ‘The Good Nurse’ Qualities

Developing and nurturing the qualities of ‘The Good Nurse’ requires a multifaceted approach that encompasses education, mentorship, and organizational support. Education and training programs should emphasize the cultivation of empathy, communication skills, and resilience alongside clinical competencies. By integrating these essential qualities into the curriculum, aspiring nurses can be equipped with the foundational attributes of ‘The Good Nurse’ from the onset of their professional journey.  Healthcare managers can play a key role in implementing these types of programs.

Mentorship programs play a pivotal role in the development of ‘The Good Nurse’. Pairing novice nurses with experienced mentors allows for the transfer of not only clinical knowledge but also the intangible qualities that define exemplary nursing practice. Through mentorship, aspiring nurses can learn to navigate complex ethical issues, communicate effectively with patients, and cultivate emotional resilience under the guidance of seasoned practitioners.

Organizational support is equally critical in fostering the growth of ‘The Good Nurse’. Healthcare institutions should prioritize initiatives that promote staff well-being, including mental health resources, flexible scheduling, and opportunities for professional development. By creating a supportive and nurturing work environment, organizations can empower nurses to embody the qualities of ‘The Good Nurse’ while mitigating the challenges they face in their roles.

Recognizing and Rewarding ‘The Good Nurse’

Recognizing and rewarding ‘The Good Nurse’ is essential not only for acknowledging their contributions but also for inspiring others to emulate their exemplary practice. Formal recognition programs within healthcare organizations can shine a spotlight on nurses who consistently demonstrate the qualities of ‘The Good Nurse’. This recognition can take various forms, including awards, commendations, and public acknowledgments, underscoring the significance of their dedication and impact on patient care.

To keep good nurses, reward them. Please also review AIHCP’s Healthcare Manager Certification and see if it meets your goals

 

In addition to formal recognition, creating a culture of appreciation and gratitude within healthcare teams fosters a supportive and uplifting environment for nurses. Simple gestures such as peer-to-peer commendations, thank-you notes, and celebratory events can go a long way in affirming the value of ‘The Good Nurse’ and reinforcing their commitment to excellence. By celebrating their contributions, healthcare organizations can instill a sense of pride and motivation among nurses, fueling their continued pursuit of exemplary practice.

Healthcare managers and hospital management need to recruit good nurses and keep the ones they have.  Better pay, raises, time off, modernization of tools and educational reimbursement are all ways hospitals and healthcare facilities can better reward nurses.

Training and Education for Aspiring ‘Good Nurses’

The journey toward becoming a ‘Good Nurse’ begins with comprehensive training and education. Nursing programs should incorporate a holistic approach that extends beyond clinical competencies to encompass the essential qualities of empathy, communication, and resilience. By integrating these elements into the curriculum, aspiring nurses can develop a strong foundation for their future practice as ‘Good Nurses’.

Furthermore, ongoing education and professional development opportunities are instrumental in honing the skills and qualities of ‘The Good Nurse’. Specialized training in areas such as patient communication, emotional intelligence, and ethical decision-making equips nurses with the tools necessary to navigate the complexities of patient care with grace and proficiency. By investing in continuous learning, aspiring nurses can continually elevate their practice and embody the qualities of ‘The Good Nurse’ throughout their careers.

Departments should invest in their nurses.  Healthcare managers can play a role in tuition reimbursement and encouraging ongoing education for their staff.

The Future of Nursing and the Role of ‘The Good Nurse’

As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, the role of ‘The Good Nurse’ will remain integral to the future of nursing. With advancements in technology, shifting demographics, and evolving healthcare needs, the qualities of empathy, resilience, and effective communication embodied by ‘The Good Nurse’ will be indispensable in delivering patient-centered care. Their ability to adapt to changing paradigms of healthcare and maintain a humanistic approach to patient interactions will be crucial in shaping the future of nursing practice.

Furthermore, the advocacy and leadership potential of ‘The Good Nurse’ will play a pivotal role in driving positive change within the healthcare system. As champions of patient rights and well-being, ‘The Good Nurse’ can influence policy decisions, contribute to quality improvement initiatives, and spearhead innovations in care delivery. Their multifaceted impact will extend beyond the bedside, influencing the broader landscape of healthcare and promoting a patient-centric ethos within the industry.

Inspiring Stories of ‘The Good Nurse’

The annals of nursing are replete with inspiring stories of ‘The Good Nurse’ whose unwavering dedication and compassion have left an indelible mark on patient care. From selfless acts of kindness to extraordinary displays of clinical expertise, these narratives epitomize the profound impact that ‘The Good Nurse’ has on individuals and communities. These stories serve as a testament to the transformative power of nursing and the enduring legacy of exemplary care.

One such story is that of a seasoned nurse who went above and beyond to comfort and uplift a terminally ill patient, providing unwavering support and solace during their final days. Through her empathy and unwavering commitment, she not only alleviated the patient’s suffering but also provided comfort to their family, leaving a lasting impression of compassionate care. These stories serve as reminders of the immeasurable influence of ‘The Good Nurse’ and the profound difference they make in the lives of those they touch.

Conclusion

In conclusion, ‘The Good Nurse’ embodies a standard of excellence that transcends clinical proficiency, encapsulating qualities of empathy, resilience, and compassionate care. Their impact on patient care is profound, shaping experiences, and outcomes through their unwavering dedication to holistic well-being. As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, nurturing and recognizing ‘The Good Nurse’ is paramount in ensuring the delivery of high-quality, patient-centered care.

Please review AIHCP’s Healthcare Manager Certification Program and see if it meets your academic and professional goals

 

By acknowledging the challenges they face, developing comprehensive strategies for their growth, and celebrating their contributions, we can empower and inspire a new generation of ‘Good Nurses’ to continue the legacy of exemplary care. The future of nursing hinges on the cultivation and elevation of ‘The Good Nurse’, whose qualities and characteristics will pave the way for a more compassionate, empathetic, and effective healthcare system

Please also review AIHCP’s Healthcare Manager Certification.  The program is designed to trained healthcare professionals and nurses to properly manage departments and better guide staff.  One aspect is identifying good nurses, keeping them and recruiting others who can replenish the system.

 

Additional Resources

“The Future of Nursing 2020–2030: Charting a Path to Achieve Health Equity”. (2021). Consensus Study Report. Access here

“The Post Pandemic Future: Nursing in the Region of the Americas and Mental Health”. Silvia Helena De Bortoli Cassiani, PhD, RN Bruna Moreno Dias, PhD, MHS, RN Rebecca Johnson, BSN, MBA, RN. (2023). OJIN.  Access here

“6 Extremely Important Traits the Modern Nurse Needs to Have”. Wolf. D. (2021). Health Works Collective.  Access here

“Strategic Planning for a Very Different Nursing Workforce”. Weston, M. (2022). Nurse Leader.  Access here

Healthcare Management Waste Spending Reduction

Posted on by Dominick Flarey

By – James M. Katz, BA

Health care costs are rising, and the challenge of finding new ways to reduce them can feel overwhelming. Fortunately, there are strategies you can use to successfully cut costs in health care. Healthcare Management decisions can range from improving processes and taking advantage of technology, to restructuring services and looking for alternative funding sources, there are a range of strategies that can help you achieve significant savings in healthcare. In this article, we will explore seven essential strategies that can help you reduce costs in healthcare, and why they are important. You’ll learn how to develop a plan of action, assess and analyze costs, and identify opportunities for cost-cutting. With the right approach, you can make a real difference to your hospital, clinic, or medical practice’s bottom line.

Healthcare Management can help reduce their wasteful spending in a number of ways. Most hospitals and care providers use a volume payment style for specialists, instead health care managers can move towards a value-based care style. This approach as seen in the video linked below along with other methods can help to greatly reduce wasteful Healthcare Management spending.

“How can we do a better job of removing low-value, wasteful care from the health care system?

The quick and easy answer is you stop paying for it. There’s not been a lot of will to do that, so, the question is: what else can you do? There’s really 2 things. One is, you change how you pay specialists. So, 93% of the specialists in this country are strictly volume based, and that does not foster a value-based care environment. You need to build incentive models so that about a third to up to 50% of the revenue that a specialist makes is based on incentives for value-based care, for population health management, and not based for volume. It’s a tricky thing to do, because the specialty incentive model needs to look completely different for each specialty. They have to be designed specialty specific. It’s difficult, not impossible. We’re actually hard at work doing that now.

“

Link to the Video

Commentary:

Business woman standing in the middle of an office.

Assessing Costs: Looking at the full range of healthcare costs

Before you can find ways to reduce costs, you need to be sure that you are looking at the full range of costs in your healthcare organization. It’s very easy to only consider direct costs, or costs related to the delivery of a medical service, such as the cost of staff salaries, drugs, supplies, and equipment. However, there are a number of indirect costs that are just as important to reducing costs in healthcare management. These costs may be less obvious than the direct costs, but are nonetheless an important part of the total cost of healthcare. Indirect costs include the cost of facilities and equipment, as well as depreciation costs. They also include the cost of administration, which includes costs such as marketing, finance, and human resources. If you are satisfied only looking at the direct costs, you could miss out on significant cost-saving opportunities. By taking a more holistic approach to assessing costs, you can better identify how to reduce costs in healthcare.

Streamlining Processes: Optimizing current processes to reduce waste

Healthcare organizations are often plagued by inefficiency and waste. For example, some processes are designed to be inefficient, meaning that they generate no real benefit for the organization, but simply consume resources. By discovering inefficiencies within your processes, you can find opportunities to reduce waste and make significant cost savings. For example, if you use paper records, you are wasting a large amount of paper. Once you have assessed your paper records, you can see where you can reduce these costs. If you have a procedure where patients are asked to sign a form, but the form is never used, then the sign-up time is wasted. Consider making the form a digital record, which can then be reused instead of being thrown away once the patient has signed it.

Exploring Technology: Taking advantage of new technology to increase efficiency

There are many opportunities to reduce costs through technology. For example, some hospitals have found success in using virtual care technologies such as video conferencing and web-based software. Virtual care can be a perfect solution for remote areas with no nearby medical facilities. Technology can also be used to improve the efficiency of routine tasks in healthcare management. For example, many organizations use EMR systems to record and manage patient records. However, these systems are often used to record information that is far from essential. With careful assessment, you can reduce the cost of using EMR systems, and increase the efficiency of the technology at the same time. Consider using paper records where possible, and transfer less essential information from the EMR to digital systems. You can also find ways to make EMR systems more efficient. For example, you could schedule daily or weekly reports to update less essential information. This can help to reduce the cost of using EMR systems, while still benefiting from the technology.

Restructuring Services: Reorganizing services to maximize efficiency

As services are implemented, it is important to assess their efficiency. For example, if your organization offers a walk-in clinic, you may assume that it is an efficient service. However, walk-in clinics often have long waiting times, which is inefficient. An efficient walk-in clinic can help to reduce costs for your organization. To find ways to reduce costs in healthcare, it is important to assess the efficiency of services. If a walk-in clinic is offered to patients, it could be an efficient service. However, if a specific surgery is offered only at a walk-in clinic, then the service is less efficient and could be restructured. It is also important to assess the efficiency of individual surgeries. For example, it may be possible to perform a less invasive procedure with the same amount of time. The more invasive the procedure is, the more time it takes, so it is important to assess the efficiency of individual services.

Securing Alternative Funding: Pursuing new sources of funding

Many health care organizations struggle to cover their costs, which can lead to a shortage of staff, restricted services, or even closure. To reduce the risk of this happening, some organizations have sought alternative funding, such as self-funding or crowdfunding. Alternative funding options can provide a new way to secure funding for your organization, or for new initiatives. For example, healthcare management team may choose to use a portion of its own funding to support innovative projects, such as a new diagnostic service. Alternatively, funding from alternative sources can help to support a new initiative, such as a new clinical trial. Alternative funding options can be a way to secure funding for your organization. Alternative funding options can be a new way to secure funding for your organization, such as crowdfunding, or a portion of your own funding.

Creating a Plan of Action: Developing a plan to implement cost-cutting strategies

It can be difficult to reduce costs when you are relatively new to the sector, or have only started your cost-cutting efforts recently. However, it is important to remain committed to the strategies that you have chosen, and to make sure that they are being implemented effectively. A key part of developing an effective plan of action is to analyze the results of your cost-cutting efforts. This can be done by documenting your progress, and making regular assessments of the efficiency of your cost-cutting strategies. Healthcare Management should also consider involving your staff in the process of cost-cutting, and making sure that they are all aware of the benefits of cost-cutting. This can help to make your organization more efficient and cost-effective, while also helping to make your staff more cost-conscious.

Conclusion: Summarizing the importance of cost-cutting in healthcare

Health care costs are rising, and many organizations are struggling to cover these costs. Fortunately, there are many cost-cutting strategies that you can use to successfully reduce costs, and make significant savings in healthcare management. It is important to remember that the best way to reduce costs is to assess the full cost of your current health care model, and then look for ways to reduce this cost. This requires a more holistic approach to cost-cutting, in which you take into account indirect costs as well as direct costs. Health care costs are rising, and many organizations are struggling to cover these costs. Fortunately, there are many cost-cutting strategies that you can use to successfully reduce costs, and make significant savings in healthcare.

Healthcare Management can be an excellent transition from the nursing field. If you are interested in becoming certified in Healthcare Management then you might want to check out our certification program here. 

References:

Wikipedia: Unnecessary Health Care

CDC: Healthcare Budgeting

Additional Resources:

Waste in the US Health Care System: Estimated Costs and Potential for Savings. Shrank WH, et al. JAMA. 2019 Oct 15;322(15):1501-1509. doi: 10.1001/jama.2019.13978. PMID: 31589283.

Access here 

Reducing Administrative Waste in the US Health Care System. Kocher RP. JAMA. 2021;325(5):427–428. doi:10.1001/jama.2020.24767

Access Here 

Eliminating waste in healthcare spending. Kalipso Chalkidou, et al BMJ 2017;356:j570

Access Here 

Excess Medical Care Spending: The Categories, Magnitude, and Opportunity Costs of Wasteful Spending in the United States. Matthew Speer, et al.  2020: American Journal of Public Health 110, 1743_1748,

Access Here 

Healthcare Manager Article on Managing Cost

Posted on by Mark Moran

Like any business, healthcare deals with managing costs in their budget.  There are numerous ways to proactively manage a healthcare business budget.  Healthcare Managers can play a big role in keeping prices down. Keeping prices down benefits everyone

Learn more about becoming a Healthcare Manager by reviewing AICHP’s Healthcare Manager Certification program

 

The article, “How health care businesses can proactively manage their costs” by Jeffrey Stevenson discusses healthcare management of costs.  He states,

“Cost control measures are likely to take a more prominent role among healthcare practitioners because of COVID-19-driven economic disruption. The pandemic has raised the stakes for physician-owners, some of whom have been joining multi-service organizations to reduce their administrative burdens and pursue new avenues of growth, to take a more hands on approach to driving down costs and ensure their businesses are being run profitably.”

To read the entire article, please click here

Please also review AIHCP’s Healthcare Manager Certification and see if it meets your academic and professional goals.  The program is online and independent study.  Qualified professionals can earn a four year certification.

Healthcare Manager Program Article on Better Healthcare Efficiency

Posted on by Mark Moran

Managers within a healthcare organization are tied to two very important pillars.  First patient care, and second, increasing revenue.   Both are critically important not just from a moral perspective, but also from a financial and customer service aspect.

 

Good article on improving patient care and also increasing revenue. Please also review our Healthcare Manager Program

 

The article, “How to generate revenue, improve patient care” by Lisa Eramo discusses how healthcare managers and executives can increase productivity and also improve patient care.  She states,

“Providing behavioral health-related services can also help providers hit quality benchmarks, bill for new and/or higher-level services, and even address social determinants of health such as food insecurity, housing instability, and health literacy.”

To read the entire article, please click here

The article gives many indepth ideas and concepts to help meet both goals of patient care and financial increases.  Please also review our Healthcare Manager Program and see if it meets your academic and professional goals.

Healthcare Management Certification Article on Better Hiring Practices for Departments

Posted on by Mark Moran

Utilizing the proper talent for anything in life is critical to mission success.  Whether sports or business or even healthcare.  Healthcare managers need to know what healthcare professionals are best at what and then utilize those talents in the proper department for best overall outcomes.  Understanding skill sets and healthcare skills is critical for the success of any department for the overall health of the patient.  Healthcare Managers play a key role in whether success occurs or not by their evaluation of staff.

Putting together the best staff is key to any healthcare department. Please also review our Healthcare Management Certification

 

The article, “Health Care Providers Are Hiring the Wrong People” by Elena Butler and Shreya Kangovi look at the importance of a strong staff.  They state,

“In healthcare, we are overdue for a “Moneyball” revolution. The shift towards value-based payment has made it clear that our system needs to do a better job generating outcomes that matter to patients — a positive health-care experience, improved health, and good quality of life. But healthcare’s current hiring practices can inhibit efforts to achieve this goal.”

To read the entire article, please click here

Please also review our Healthcare Management Certification and see if it meets your professional goals in advancement as a Healthcare Manager.

Healthcare Management Certification

Posted on by Mark Moran

The American Institute of Health Care Professionals is offering a certification in Healthcare Management.  This certification is for healthcare professionals who are looking to advance their career in the organizational structure of healthcare.

Please review our Healthcare Management Certification and see it meets your academic and professional goals in management

Many nurses and other licensed healthcare professionals look for a higher management position within their hospital or facility but lack the training or experience.  The first step in distancing oneself from the competition is to possess a certification in Healthcare Management.

Healthcare management is key in any organization with a multitude of nursing departments that report to the various healthcare executives.  If one is seeking the position of a particular nursing department, a certification in Healthcare Management may be key.

The program at AIHCP gives nurses and other licensed healthcare professionals the academic knowledge and understanding of the healthcare management.

If you would like to learn more about AIHCP’s Healthcare Management Certification then please review the program and see if it meets your academic or professional needs.