The job of a hospital administrator is hardly a walk in the park. In a place where the clerical work is as important as saving lives, management is a critical part of operation. In fact, you’re going to encounter a long list of challenges that will test your decision-making skills, analysis, and patience.
Some of these struggles can be serious enough there’s hardly any room for mistake, not that you’re allowed a few strikes in any department. These include the following:
Appropriation of Budgets
Healthcare facilities, especially urban hospitals, do not only face an influx of ER patients every year, but they also need to master the art of smart budgeting. Many states face the constant threats of budget cuts, which can mean removing an entire department or service and laying off precious staff.
Budget cuts also mean these facilities will continue to operate on their existing number of beds and equipment while the number of patients continues to increase.
Shortage of Staffing
Staff shortage happens for a lot of reasons: ineffective scheduling, sudden increase of ER patients, budget cuts, and a small talent pool. Agencies like Emergency Staffing Solutions help with the manpower issue, but the pressing matter to have a solution to any problem as soon as possible. Otherwise, the facility runs the risk of having tired, overworked nurses and providers who are vulnerable to making grave mistakes and poor decisions.
How to Resolve It
Finding the resolution for these two issues takes a village, from the government down to the staff and the community, but one of the approaches you can do is to take advantage of emergency staffing programs provided by certain agencies or companies. This strategy means reinforcements come only when they’re needed, allowing your facility to meet the targets and provide the necessary service without creating a huge dent in your budget.
As a healthcare facility manager, you don’t have to make the decision alone. Get help and be wise. You can do something to beat these two huge challenges.
