The Methodist Hospital - How Our Values Contribute to Our Success

LAS VEGAS, NV, October 02, 2010 (Press-News.org) Interview with: Ann Scanlon McGinity, Senior Vice President Operations & Chief Nursing Executive, The Methodist Hospital, Houston

"Belief in a strong faith-based value system is what unifies our organization", says Ann Scanlon McGinity, Senior Vice President Operations and Chief Nursing Executive at The Methodist Hospital, Houston. A Magnet awardee for nursing, the hospital is noted as one of "America's Best Hospitals" according to the Honor Roll Ranking for US News & World Report and ranked in more specialties than any other hospital in Texas. A speaker at the marcus evans National Healthcare CNO Summit Fall 2010, taking place in Las Vegas, Nevada, October 24-26, Scanlon McGinity shares her thoughts on how a value system has led their organization to success.

How have faith-based values led to your recognition as one of the Best Hospitals in America?

Ann Scanlon McGinity: We are very focused on a value system where integrity, compassion, accountability, respect and excellence are the key principles that define our culture. We only hire individuals willing to demonstrate those values in their everyday work life. This fosters an environment where unique healing spaces are created for our patients and their families, and allows us to accompany them on their difficult journey.

Our notion of faith, compassion and the spiritual dimension of healthcare start at the top. At our Board of directors meeting and at many other large meetings, someone offers a reflection to remind us of why we are there.

No matter what their specific role or discipline, the guiding focus of each member of our hospital staff is to always be present to people's needs. I have been at Methodist for 11 years and recently someone in the hallway asked me if I needed help finding my way. Nobody ever gets lost here. There is always someone to notice and offer assistance. That is very different from any other place that I have worked. People usually just walk by assuming someone will assist them. Our belief is: You are the person to help out.

What initiatives for improving efficiency and cost cutting have you implemented?

Ann Scanlon McGinity: We utilize a variety of benchmarks to find the right number of hours of care patients require by specialty. This helps us set the standard for managing our finances and the resources we need from a nursing perspective.

The longer they work within our institution, the better the nurse will understand the patient population and how to manage resources, leading to better productivity. In addition, our clinical ladder - based on education and ongoing clinical contributions - allows staff to advance in the organization in a timely manner.

We also rely on a number of metrics to track how well we are performing against the targets that we have set. We review those on a monthly basis with each nursing director and their staff to identify areas in which we are excelling and where there are opportunities to improve.

What long-term strategies would you recommend to Chief Nursing Officers?

Ann Scanlon McGinity: The Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) needs to create a work environment which is truly satisfying for the nurse as a place where they can learn, are challenged, have time to think, are valued professionally and are part of a team structure.

A long-term strategy all of us must invest in is the technology to provide point of care education. Achieving positive outcomes is all about quality, safety, and recruiting talented people who collectively work to establish an environment where excellence is the norm. Never settle for less than the absolute best clinicians!

The CNO must strategize about the workforce of the future, and then systematically plan on how to get there. CNOs have to reinvent the work of nursing, create a different nurse that is prepared for the needs of the future. They also need to persist in crafting a vision for the future that includes patients and families as key members of the clinical care team.


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About the National Healthcare CNO Summit Fall 2010

This unique forum will take place at the Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa, Las Vegas, Nevada, October 24-26, 2010. Offering much more than any conference, exhibition or trade show, this exclusive meeting will bring together esteemed industry thought leaders and solution providers to a highly focused and interactive networking event. The summit includes presentations on the healthcare reform, redefining technology in healthcare and developing a culture of quality.

For more information please send an email to info@marcusevanscy.com or visit the event website at http://www.healthcare-summit.com/AnnScanlonMcGinityInterview

Please note that the summit is a closed business event and the number of participants strictly limited.

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