Although being a hospitalist manager sounds like a fancy title, the reality is that the different methods for hospitalist management are very similar to those of any type of management. The term hospitalist generally refers to a medical professional, most commonly a doctor, who practices in a hospital setting. Along with the usual responsibilities of medical professionals, hospitalists must also deal with the complex organizational structure characteristic of hospitals.
If people stopped and pondered the nature of a hospital, they could imagine how difficult hospitalist management can be. There are many patients, all with varying illnesses and durations of stay who need to be taken care of. Additionally, the endless supply of staff mixed with the sensitive nature of medicine and the potential for security threats culminate in one giant nightmare for everyone involved. Thankfully, capable and willing individuals exist to help sort through this otherwise mess of a situation.
There is no right or wrong way to manage, only good managers and bad managers. Good managers typically possess a dynamic approach, being able to read their employees and change their styles accordingly. The worst managers are usually those who do not consider the personalities of their employees and implement obstinate policies on all those subject to their jurisdictions. While it is very important to remain firm and professional, a good start to approaching hospitalist management policies is to remain flexible and open to suggestions.
Just as politicians have different ways of influencing and determining economic policies, hospitalist managers can also change the way the finances of a hospital are used. Some managers may prove to be liberal with their funding, perhaps spending it on widespread advertisement campaigns or other initiatives meant to attract attention and clientele to the facility. Other possibilities include more conservative techniques, like minimal money spent outside of necessary operational expenses. There are many different ways to run a hospital like a business, and the potential for varying hospitalist management styles is particular high regarding finances.
The business side of hospital management is one way in which styles vary, but the interpersonal side is a whole other ball game. Some managers try to be approachable, while others seem to be more reclusive and intimidating to their employees. As long as the job is being performed effectively and the vast majority of employees are happy, it is likely management is doing well. With an overwhelming amount of freedom for hospitalist management, it is easy to see why many managers may seem lost or confused. Perhaps the most important aspect of any type of management is to remain dynamic because every good manager is not always right, and any manager too stubborn in his or her own ways is destined for failure.
