Tuesday, December 13, 2016

A few pointers on how to be a successful Nursing Home Administrator!!

You have just received your Nursing Home Administrator License and have been offered your first opportunity to lead your own Facility. Here a couple of pointers that will help you be a success!!
First and foremost……..get yourself a really good Director of Nursing!! The right person in this vital position can and will make your new opportunity much more rewarding!!! How does one go about getting an excellent Director of Nurses…..if I knew the answer to that one, I would be able to retire and live life as a millionaire!!!

Second….know the Regulations!! The Surveyors will certainly know them (or at least they will know what regulations to cite). You will, therefore, need to respond in the event your Facility receives a citation. Of course, knowing the regulations up front should help in preparation for the survey. In addition, by being familiar with the regulations you should be able to provide a safer, more comfortable home for those in your care.

Third…..interact with the staff, residents and family members in your community!! How important is this to your success as a Nursing Home Administrator? Well, since you are now the team leader, I would say it is extremely important!!!

This is the Resident’s home and you need to make them feel comfortable in their own home!!! The Family members have entrusted your facility with taking care of those they love. They need to feel comfortable and confident that you consider their well-being to be first and foremost. The Staff are the front line in both caring for the residents and in turn, caring for the family members!!!

How does one go about interacting with staff, residents and family members? Make your-self available to meet and chat with all concerned. Make a sincere effort to involve the staff in the decision making process. Listen to the concerns expressed by those in your care!! Maybe what you think is a great idea or practice may not be as wonderful as you originally imagined. Does this mean that you should not follow your own ideas and thoughts? Absolutely not!!! But if you listen to those who have a contrary opinion, they just might raise an issue or concern that you had not originally thought about. Maybe if you alter your plans slightly, the result will be far greater.

 Always remember, one can accomplish more with the support and confidence of those you lead. A smile, a hello and a thank you can go a long way to show others your leadership strengths!!!
And of course………never be afraid to admit that you did something wrong and offer a most sincere apology!!!

Now go forth, smile and offer a friendly greeting to everyone you come in contact with today!!!

 Submitted by Charlie Carrozza, Adjunct Faculty, Saint Joseph's College