Perceptive leadership fosters collaboration among hybrid OR staff
The expanded volume of interventional cardiology in recent years has played a major role in the growing prevalence of hybrid ORs. As a result, many perioperative services leaders have had to develop systems for managing hybrid ORs along with traditional ORs. “Management of hybrid ORs is really a collision of…
Perioperative services overhaul proves effort is worth the time
Getting a zero deficiency rating on a recent Joint Commission survey and bringing sterile processing in house are 2 of many improvements made at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital over the past decade. When Frances Baldwin, MBA, RN, assistant vice president of perioperative services, joined the hospital 11 years ago, Georgetown…
Conference takes OR leaders and business managers to the next level
High-quality presentations, a high level of enthusiasm, and the highest-ever attendance were the hallmarks of the OR Business Management Conference that took place February 11-13 in New Orleans. Nearly 300 attendees—more than triple the number who attended the workshop in 2013—gathered to learn from experts in the healthcare industry. Tips…
Keynoter Tim Porter-O'Grady sees new roles for perioperative nurses
Tim Porter-O’Grady, DM, EdD, ScD(h), APRN, FAAN, will be the keynote speaker at this year’s OR Manager Conference, which takes place September 17-19 at the Long Beach Convention Center in Long Beach, California. The conference features 4 tracks—ambulatory surgery centers, business management, a masters series, and new manager—designed to address…
Restructuring and revamping workflow help a small hospital make big strides
Working for a small facility after spending many years at a large one can present a host of leadership challenges, but meeting those challenges with process changes and improved efficiencies can be highly satisfying. After serving more than 23 years at the Cedar Crest campus of Lehigh Valley Health Network…
Rounding tool off to a good start in improving patient satisfaction
A mobile, web-based rounding tool is allowing the perioperative leadership team at Vail Valley Medical Center (VVMC) in Vail, Colorado, to collect, analyze, and report on information gathered from surgeons, staff, and patients to improve quality of care and move toward high reliability. Software designed by MyRounding Solutions in Littleton,…
Anesthesiology: An important ally in building better surgical services
Among the challenges facing OR leaders everywhere are declining payment in tandem with rising costs, increased quality and patient satisfaction requirements, and the ongoing struggle to manage relations with surgeons. When it comes to tackling these issues, many OR directors do not realize they have a powerful natural ally—the anesthesiology…
South Carolina models high reliability standards through pilot program
The South Carolina Hospital Association (SCHA) and the Joint Commission Center for Transforming Healthcare have teamed up to make the state’s healthcare highly reliable. In a joint project titled “South Carolina Safe Care Commitment,” 21 hospitals in South Carolina are learning about high reliability practices (chart, p 12). High reliability…
Partnering with your CEO will put you on the path to success
Maintaining a strong relationship with the hospital CEO has always been important for an OR leader. In the coming year, good relations with the executive suite will be critical. Hospital executives are under greater pressure now than at any time in the last 30 years. Changes in the healthcare market…
OR Manager of the Year embraces golden rule
Letters nominating Pamela Smith, BSN, RN, CNOR, as the 2013 OR Manager of the Year described her as a leader who has supported her staff and their decisions, an advocate for education, and a clinical manager who “drives quality and efficiency while balancing high patient and staff satisfaction scores.” Smith,…
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