In any industry, temporary solutions often get a bad rap. They’re seen as quick fixes that enable leaders to kick the can a little further down the road. But is that really all they do? Absolutely not. Both figuratively and literally, temporary solutions—like band aids—can be crucial for stopping the bleeding and providing necessary stability. [continue reading…]
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5 Strategies for Developing Self-Awareness in Leadership
The American Organization of Nurse Leaders’ (AONL) core competencies are anchored by the ‘Leader Within.’ The ‘Leader Within’ seeks feedback, reflects, and understands how their thoughts influence their actions. In short, the ideal leader is self-aware—and they seek to become even more self-aware. Why Does Self-Awareness Matter for Leaders? As leaders ascend to senior echelons [continue reading…]
New Nursing Practices in 2022 That Are Here to Stay
“Necessity is the mother of invention.” -Plato The impact of this age-old proverb is unrivaled in our coronavirus pandemic era. It’s no secret that the last few years have forced innovation into nearly every industry worldwide, and it’s abundantly true for healthcare organizations. Between overloaded hospitals, limited staff, and unprecedented employee burnout, the healthcare [continue reading…]
Compassionate Leadership Practice through Diversity & Inclusion
Jane Fitzsimmons, MSN, RN, Executive Vice President, Executive Search Services Ena Williams, MBA, RN, CENP, Nurse Executive & DEI Researcher Joy Parchment, PhD, RN, NEA-BC, Nurse Executive & AONL Committee on DEI Based on a panel discussion moderated by Bonnie Barnes, FAAN, The DAISY Foundation. Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are not something that [continue reading…]
Building Cultural Competence in Healthcare Organizations
The recent COVID-19 pandemic serves to underscore the growing body of evidence confirming racial and ethnic disparities in healthcare access and clinical outcomes. The Institute of Medicine Report, IOM, (2004) states that diversity among healthcare professionals is associated with improved access, provider-patient communication, and patient satisfaction. As the knowledge and understanding of these relationships grow, [continue reading…]
Hope Amid COVID-19
Guest Post By Tim Fischer, President, Jackson & Coker Locum Tenens Editor’s Note: Kirby Bates is dedicated to advancing Nursing Leadership and interprofessional collaboration. In honor of Doctor’s Day 2020 I’ve invited Tim Fischer, President of Jackson & Coker Locum Tenens, another Jackson Healthcare Company, to share his reflections. Working through the coronavirus (COVID-19) [continue reading…]
Keys to Providing the Best Patient Experience: Employing the Platinum Rule in Healthcare
Chances are you’ve heard of the Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. But are you aware of the Platinum Rule? The Platinum Rule is a reflection of the evolution of the times: Do unto others as they would want to be done to them. The Golden Rule is [continue reading…]
2019 ASHHRA Survey: The Evolving Landscape of Healthcare Hiring
Everyone knows that healthcare is changing but what about hiring? Is technology the answer? At this year’s American Society for Healthcare Human Resources Administrators Annual Conference (ASHHRA 2019) in Chicago, we surveyed our colleagues about search strategies. Here’s what we uncovered. Understanding Passive Candidates First, we asked about passive candidates – those who are [continue reading…]
Diversity in Healthcare Leadership: Breaking the Glass Ceiling
Despite decades of attention, there has been very little progress toward increasing diversity in healthcare leadership. Data published by the American College of Healthcare Executives confirms that minorities are underrepresented in executive leadership, and are paid less when compared to their white counterparts. According to the American Hospital Association, 31% of patients nationally are [continue reading…]
How the Retained Search Process Can Add Value for Healthcare Organizations
Choosing the most effective approach to recruit talented executive healthcare leaders who will redesign care delivery is one of the most critical contributions of the human resource team. Where does the human resource team begin? With uncertain reimbursement and neverending financial challenges, healthcare professionals must walk a tightrope—balancing the need to cut expenses while [continue reading…]
Gerry Biala, The Healthcare Executive’s Guide to Navigating the Surgical Suite: A Roadmap to the OR and Perioperative Services
Chapter 1: “Unique Challenges from Surgical Services” Part III by Gerald E. Biala, MSN, RN, CNOR, CSSM, Senior VP of Sullivan Healthcare Consulting and Therese A. Fitzpatrick, PhD, RN, FAAN Published by Sigma Did you miss the previous installments? Read Part I here and Part II here. This book provides experienced and novice [continue reading…]
Overcoming Leadership Challenges in Healthcare
Today’s healthcare executives face unique leadership challenges driven by unprecedented advances in medicine, technology, and reimbursement. Hospital and healthcare leaders are committed to optimal quality patient outcomes encompassing patient experience, staff engagement, cost effective high quality care. While every industry has their fair share of leadership challenges, the healthcare industry is at a critical intersection [continue reading…]
5 Self Care Tips to Promote Work Life Balance
Practicing self care isn’t something taught early on, but rather, a skill acquired later in life. Learning to be kind to yourself is critical, especially for those with demanding occupations. It can be hard to know where to start but finding and maintaining success begins with taking care of yourself. Below are 5 recommended self care [continue reading…]
Gerry Biala, The Healthcare Executive’s Guide to Navigating the Surgical Suite: A Roadmap to the OR and Perioperative Services
Chapter 1: “Unique Challenges from Surgical Services” Part II by Gerald E. Biala, MSN, RN, CNOR, CSSM, Senior VP of Sullivan Healthcare Consulting and Therese A. Fitzpatrick, PhD, RN, FAAN Published by Sigma Missed Part I? Read the first installment here. This book provides experienced and novice healthcare leaders with the information, leadership structures, and [continue reading…]
It’s here: ACNL Survey Summary
[Download the ACNL Survey Summary here] As promised, we are sharing a summary of the survey results from the Leadership & Staffing Survey that was completed by a convenience sample of ACNL attendees. We thank all who participated and hope you find this survey insightful as you plan for the rest of 2019 [continue reading…]
Happy #NursesWeek 2019!
As experienced nurse leaders, the Kirby Bates team is happy to honor all nurses this week. We’ve asked our leaders to reflect on why they became a nurse, their favorite things about being a nurse, and why they are excited about the future of nursing. Read their answers below and then visit our LinkedIn [continue reading…]
The Healthcare Executive’s Guide to Navigating the Surgical Suite: A Roadmap to the OR and Perioperative Services
Chapter 1: “Unique Challenges from Surgical Services” Part I by Gerald E. Biala, MSN, RN, CNOR, CSSM, Senior VP of Sullivan Healthcare Consulting and Therese A. Fitzpatrick, PhD, RN, FAAN Published by Sigma This book provides experienced and novice healthcare leaders with the information, leadership structures, and practical strategies needed to successfully [continue reading…]
How to Maintain Empathy in Healthcare
What it means and why it matters. Showing empathy in healthcare is an important driver of patient satisfaction. Communication is the key – both receiving and sharing information. As a member of the healthcare team, the quality of your communication with patients should be consistent and aim to build relationships with patients and [continue reading…]
Top Trends in the Executive Search Process
Today’s healthcare executives face unique leadership challenges that are driven by health system consolidation; shifts in organizational culture; changes in employee composition; and redesign from the bedside to the boardroom. Organizations are faced with recruiting leaders for emerging roles that align with new healthcare structures and replacing an entire generation of baby boomers. Successful [continue reading…]
6 Career Planning Strategies to Propel Growth
Career planning can seem like a daunting process, but it can be a worthy investment of time that accelerates your career trajectory. Active career planning includes the development of activities and action steps to achieve individual career goals. Basic steps in career planning include: exploring your interests, assessing your talents, strategic planning, and development of [continue reading…]