Do you wonder how over 6,000 hospitals and many medical centers across the U.S. stay open 24/7 and staffed with dedicated, skilled professionals? The answer lies partly in a well-defined human resources (HR) strategy—a vital component explored in the University of Mount Saint Vincent (UMSV) online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Healthcare Administration program. Its Human Resources Strategy course prepares students with the principles and strategies of leveraging a healthcare organization’s most valuable asset: its people.
What Is Healthcare Administration and Management?
The ever-evolving healthcare industry thrives on its human capital—the doctors, nurses, technicians, and countless professionals who keep the system running. Healthcare administration and management is the art of nurturing this workforce, ensuring it functions at its peak. It is about understanding that motivated, skilled employees are the foundation for a successful healthcare organization.
This focus on people extends beyond basic staffing. Effective healthcare management recognizes the link between happy, engaged employees and exceptional patient care. When healthcare administrators prioritize strategies that develop their workforce’s capabilities and foster a positive work environment, it directly translates to higher-quality care for patients. Imagine a compassionate nurse or a dedicated therapist—their skills and dedication significantly impact a patient’s experience. Healthcare administration plays a crucial role in cultivating this kind of dedicated workforce.
What Do Healthcare Administrators Need to Know About Human Resources?
Effective HR strategies directly impact patient satisfaction, a key industry metric. When patients perceive a lack of professionalism, commitment, or interpersonal skills from staff, it negatively affects their overall experience. HR initiatives can address these concerns by focusing on talent management and development, from recruitment and onboarding to ongoing training programs.
HR training initiatives can boost staff communication skills, allowing them to build trust and rapport with patients. Clear communication can help alleviate patient anxieties and ensure they understand their treatment plans. Furthermore, involving employees in decision-making fosters a sense of ownership and can ultimately lead to better patient outcomes. When staff feel valued and heard, they are more likely to be invested in their work, translating into a better patient experience.
HR goes beyond traditional personnel functions like recruitment and onboarding. HR teams play a critical role in shaping overall healthcare operations. From streamlining patient intake procedures to implementing safety protocols, HR helps ensure a smooth-running healthcare facility. They also work with leadership to develop organizational strategies that benefit both employees and patients.
Strong organizations tend to have high employee retention rates. HR teams have the power to cultivate a positive work environment that encourages high-performing employees to stay. This can be achieved through various initiatives, such as listening to and acting on employee feedback, maintaining flexible scheduling practices, and providing opportunities for professional development.
HR also plays a vital role in advocating for employees and ensuring an ethical work environment. It serves as a conduit between leadership and workers at all levels, working to balance organizational needs with employee concerns. This includes ensuring compliance with internal policies and external regulations, such as those related to workplace safety and discrimination.
Roles of HR in a Hospital or Medical Center
Human resources is key in designing employee incentive structures and recognition programs. Hospitals can promote a culture of excellence by rewarding outstanding contributions and establishing performance-based incentives. For instance, HR might develop programs that recognize nurses who consistently go the extra mile for their patients, fostering a sense of pride and encouraging others to emulate such behavior.
Another critical function of HR is regularly measuring and analyzing patient satisfaction. By conducting surveys and gathering patient feedback, healthcare facilities can identify areas for improvement within their service delivery processes. This valuable information allows HR to collaborate with department heads and leadership to develop targeted strategies for workforce management practices.
The ever-present challenge of staffing shortages in healthcare further underscores the vital role of HR in developing comprehensive workforce planning strategies. HR should collaborate with department heads to analyze trends in attrition, retirement, and evolving patient demand. This data allows for forecasting future staffing needs across clinical and non-clinical roles, ensuring a robust pipeline of qualified candidates. Partnering with industry associations like the American Society for Healthcare Human Resources Administration (ASHHRA) to promote healthcare careers and streamline hiring processes can also alleviate staffing shortages.
Prepare to Become a Healthcare Administrator
UMSV’s online BS in Healthcare Administration program equips students with the expertise to excel in this dynamic field. This program goes beyond traditional healthcare administration by emphasizing the crucial role of human resources in building a high-performing healthcare organization. Through a curriculum that blends healthcare fundamentals with business acumen, graduates prepare to significantly impact patient care, staff well-being, and the overall success of healthcare organizations.
Learn more about UMSV’s online Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration program.
