Empowering Clinical Excellence: Insights from a Leading Chief Nurse Executive
I had the privilege to recently work with a talented Chief Nurse Executive (CNE) at one of the top hospitals in the US. We were working on complex operational issues impacting overall hospital performance. The CNE started one of the most important meetings saying "we have very talented nurses and physicians who just want to do what is best for their patients; our job as leaders is to give them the resources to take good care of their patients".
The CNE's thought process and decisions consistently reflected her leadership philosophy, contributing to the cultivation of a healthy culture and exceptional clinical results. Leaders must offer clinicians competitive compensation, yet this alone isn't sufficient to foster exceptional performance. Leaders need to ensure nurses and physicians feel valued and appreciated, thereby facilitating the delivery of exceptional care.
Weekly, leaders need to ask the following critical questions.
- Do we provide multiple opportunities for clinical and leadership advancement?
- Do we celebrate clinical excellence and outstanding performance?
- Do we ask our team what we can do to improve performance?
- Do we listen and follow up on the team's suggestions?
- Are physicians’ call rooms clean and quiet?
- Do we provide attractive meal options for the late shifts and on weekends?
Healthcare leaders who foster an atmosphere where clinicians feel esteemed and acknowledged tend to excel in staff recruitment and retention, while also achieving superior clinical outcomes.
To learn more about how to improve your healthcare organizations performance or to request a complementary assessment, email Jeff directly at jpeters@luminahp.com or visit www.luminahp.com/medical-group-strategy.