Panelists included Jane Haire, RN, administrator of the Nebraska Surgery Center; Lianne McDowell, administrator at South Portland Surgical Center; Gary A. Richberg, RN, administrator, Pacific Rim Outpatient Surgery Center; and Jeany Dunaway, RN, administrator at Effingham Ambulatory Surgery Center. Here are six takeaways from the panel.
1. Cross train staff members. Factoring cross training into a facility can be difficult at first but will pay off when it comes to filling scheduling holes, rewarding employees with additional responsibilities and managing overtime. Rotating staff through the positions they are cross-trained for every couple of months or so will ensure their skills stay fresh.
2. Get a sense of team members’ personalities. Knowing the character and strengths of individual staff members from the moment the hiring process begins will enable the establishment of a relationship where they can be rewarded with the type of hours, responsibilities and cross-training across positions that they would like. Personality is a hugely important component of efficiency in an ASC. Different personalities are better suited for certain positions.
3. Focus on getting patients in and out as quickly as possible. Keeping staff at all levels aware that working with a sense of urgency without sacrificing safety is better for the bottom line. It will ensure revenue is generated and administrators can put incentives in place to reward staff efficiency.
4. Make sure there are enough care team members on hand. Patients notice a difference when they enter a facility and feel the entire care team is concerned with their wellbeing. Having enough hands on deck to effectively transport and handle patients makes an important difference.
5. Respect the work-life balance. Oftentimes, staff members care about time rather than money. Respecting their requested time off and having a good relationship with schedulers to ensure they are taking everyone’s needs into consideration is key. Again, this is where cross-training and knowing who functions well in which roles can payoff.
6. Encourage employees to speak up about their ideas. When staff members feel appreciated they are more likely to vocally express their ideas about care delivery and efficiency. Their positions may allow for a different perspective and ultimately solutions to problems that otherwise may not have been available.
At the Becker's 23rd Annual Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC + The Future of Spine Conference, taking place June 11-13 in Chicago, spine surgeons, orthopedic leaders and ASC executives will come together to explore minimally invasive techniques, ASC growth strategies and innovations shaping the future of outpatient spine care. Apply for complimentary registration now.
