TIP OF THE WEEK
Becoming a leader, not just “the boss”
In the traditional view of management, the boss tells staff members what to do. They “call the shots” and when work doesn’t get done, they communicate through warnings and sometimes threats. It is a top-down approach that can leave staff feeling powerless, unsupported, untrustworthy, valueless, and demoralized.
A leader inspires, teaches, and guides employees; he or she does not “supervise” them. A good leader provides a clear vision, clear expectations, and an environment that fosters teamwork. People generally enjoy working for good leaders because they energize, empower, educate, enable, engage, and express gratitude for a job well done.
The concept of leadership is based on the premise that most employees want to do a good job. It assumes that very few people go to work wanting to do a bad job and most people are not deliberately lazy or incompetent. They come to work wanting to contribute and taking pride in their accomplishments. If bad performance happens, it is considered a breakdown in the system, not an employee’s personal failure.
START BY CREATING AN ORGANIZATIONAL VISION THAT...
- Sets standards of excellence and high ideals
- Is ambitious
- Encourages commitment and enthusiasm
- Reflects the uniqueness of the organization (i.e. exceptional customer service, family-centered, faith-based)
- Is articulated well and easily understood
WALK THE TALK
With an organizational vision in place, make a conscious effort to take at least one step towards achieving the visionary goal each day. As “the boss,” your actions will set an example from the leadership level about how employees are expected to conduct themselves.
RESOURCE SPOTLIGHT
The Ohio Department of Health’s Technical Assistance Program (TAP) provides the Effective Leadership training program. This educational workshop for frontline nurses addresses effective listening and communication skills; conflict resolution; team building; implementing effective change; and characteristics of an effective leader.
For more information please contact the TAP team member in your area:
Bridget Orqvist, RN – North | (440) 213-8044 | |
Dottie Swingley, RN – South | (513) 582-6303 | |
Kathryn Costa, RN– East | (330) 204-3797 | |
Shirley Wamsley, RN – West | (937) 657-7377 |
Or contact the Ohio KePRO Nursing Home Team for more leadership training resources
(1-800-385-5080).
IN THE NEWS
AN ADVANCED LOOK AT PAID FEEDING ASSISTANTS TAG, F373
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued an advanced copy of the Paid Feeding Assistants Tag, F373 as Part of Appendix PP, State Operations Manual (Guidance to Surveyors). The final tag is expected to be published on September 28 2007. This training packet is being used to train all surveyors on the new Tag prior to its implementation. Download the training packet (ZIP) >>
TRAINING HELPS ALZHEIMER'S CAREGIVERS
August 13, 2007 -- Newsday -- Offering simple training to people struggling to care for loved ones with Alzheimer's disease not only eases their burden -- it even can keep patients out of nursing homes for an extra 1 1/2 years. Read more >>
A GRASS-ROOTS EFFORT TO GROW OLD AT HOME
August 14, 2007 -- NY Times -- The Allens, an elderly couple struggling to remain in their beloved home and neighborhood, have banded together with their neighbors, who are equally determined to avoid being forced from their homes by dependence. Along with more than 100 communities nationwide, their group is part of a movement to make neighborhoods comfortable places to grow old, both for elderly men and women in need of help and for baby boomers anticipating the future. Read more >>
ISSUE BRIEF EXAMINES STATES' EFFORTS TO EXPAND HEALTH COVERAGE, IMPROVE QUALITY
August 15, 2007 -- Kaiser Network -- The issue brief highlights states' health care initiatives, which include increasing coverage through expansions of public and private programs and restructuring the private insurance marketplace. State efforts also are aimed at improving quality and increasing prevention and wellness by instituting measures such as pay-for-performance systems, electronic data exchange and early treatment of preventable diseases. The issue brief includes a comprehensive state-by-state overview of the initiatives. Download the report >>
OHIO KEPRO EVENTS
THE GOOD APPLES: TIPS FOR ATTRACTING AND RETAINING THE RIGHT EMPLOYEES
In this half-day workshop, we will delve into key strategies for improving workforce retention in the nursing home, including:
- The impact of turnover and absenteeism on an organization and what you can do about it.
- Strategies to improve the hiring and orientation process.
- Motivating employees and improving staff satisfaction.
- Setting goals and measure improvement in workforce retention.
Who should attend: Directors of Operations, Directors of Nursing, Nursing Home Administrators, Staff Development, and Human Resources.
8/21 – Wellston
NURSING HOME QUALITY AFFAIR
Northeast Conference Center, Westerville, Ohio
September 11, 2007 – 9:30 to 3:30
At this meeting, we will spotlight nursing homes that achieved remarkable rates of improvement and overall performance in the areas of pain, pressure ulcers, depression, and/or the use of physical restraints.
This event is an opportunity for your nursing home to renew its quality improvement efforts by learning “what works” and discussing successful strategies at a forum of your peers.
Who should attend: Administrators/CEOs, Directors of Nursing, Direct Care Staff, Social Workers, Activities Professionals.
Download the flyer and register today!
INDUSTRY EVENTS
Ohio Immunization Partners for Healthy Adults Meeting
September 6, 2007 at 11:00 a.m.
LifeCare Alliance, 1699 W. Mound Street, Columbus, Ohio, 43223
Or dial 1.877.339.0018, conf ID: *8625947*
RSVP by calling Liz Simpson at 216.447.9604 by August 31, 2007
Medicare Learning Network:
Learning resources and products for the healthcare professional.
Alzheimer’s Association Training Events
Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine Courses
Ohio Department of Health, Technical Assistance Program – New Programs
Ohio Health Care Association Events
An archive of The Nursing Home Weekly Update is available on our Web site. Click here >>
