The Reason for Our Hope - Knowing Our Calling

Throughout all our lives, there comes a defining moment where we must decide what our calling in life is. Those in the healthcare industry generally aim to serve those in need. Why is this? I like to think every one of us desires to serve some greater good. From an anthropological standpoint, humans have had somewhat of a natural inclination to help those in need. Regardless of our ethical and moral views, we as humans take care of someone in our lives. This can be our parents, children, friends, or from a healthcare setting, patients.

While taking the Leadership in Healthcare Administration course, we were required to listen to a podcast for one of our assignments. The title of the podcast was, "Erie Chapman - Bettering Healthcare with a Servants Heart." As I began to listen to the podcast, I was struck with somewhat of an epiphany. All of us in healthcare are servants. No matter what job title you obtain, you are a leader and servant to someone in need.

Knowing we are leaders and servants is a humbling, but exciting thing. As a future leader in healthcare administration, I always want to have the reason for my hope held tight to me. Our calling in life is ultimately serve daily for the betterment of others in need. THIS is why we work in a healthcare industry. If it is not, then maybe we should have some self reflection.

How is servant leadership effective? This question strikes and provokes my mind very often. Servant leadership reminds us daily of why we are involved in healthcare. It reminds the nurse every day of why she cares for the sick and dying. It reminds the surgeon of why he saves a dying child's life. It reminds the hospital manager of why he makes sure patients and caregivers are taken care of, and lastly, it reminds me of why I chose Saint Joseph's for graduate school.

Chapman proposes a leadership concept called the Radical Loving Care Program. In this program, he asks himself who are his clients. His immediate answer was the employees - Those who take care of people. With compassion, empathy, and vision, leaders must guide and show their team members the reason for their hope. Not just the reason for their hope, but for the hope of every patient in need. The front-line caregivers are the reason for every patients hope. This is the passion and vision leaders should have! Leaders must have confidence in their employees. In doing this, it is imperative that leaders re-spark that passion into employees every single day. This is effective servant leadership. May we all follow the reason for our hope, and through this, know our calling.

Written by Cameron Davis, Graduate student at Saint Joseph's College