Back to Business: Budgeting for Sustainable Staffing Models in the OR

Editor's Note

As hospitals face mounting workforce and financial pressures, budgeting skills are essential for today’s OR leaders. In this preview video, Cara Cook and Susie Law, RN, of Smart Healthcare Operations, share highlights from their upcoming session at the OR Manager Conference, "Finance and Productivity in the OR: Budgeting for Sustainable Staffing Models."

Cook explains how overlooking factors like orientation, turnover, or the gap between paid and productive FTEs can leave leaders short-staffed. Law stresses the importance of understanding the OR budget as one of the hospital’s most complex and significant financial responsibilities, spanning labor, supplies, and equipment.

Together, they show how nurse leaders can use productivity data to gain executive buy-in, build stronger relationships with financial partners, and make more strategic decisions.

▶ Watch the video now for a sneak peek—and don’t miss their full session this October at the 2025 OR Manager Conference. To register to join us, visit www.ORManagerConference.com.