Rural v Urban Ethics -- A Different Apporach

All across the country we encounter different codes of ethics and ways of life. However, in healthcare it becomes more complicated. Once accustomed to a particular way of life, it is hard to adjust to anything outside of what is considered the norm. As a healthcare professional, should it be considered ethical to bring a particular set of views and norms into a setting where these norms are anything but "normal"? After reading a selection from our required text I began to think about rural v urban civilizations. Healthcare in these two civilizations differ dramatically. For example, in an urban community racial and ethnic diversity spread beyond the city; however, rural communities continue to share common values, such as self-reliance, independence and cultural perspectives that influence healthcare practices in their regions. Although urban communities may have a enhanced outlook on future outcomes and beneficial strategies, should one interrupt a particular lifestyle to invoke these thoughts? Furthermore, rural healthcare organizations encounter distinct economic challenges. For example, the number of patients living below the poverty level is higher than in most metropolitan areas, while per capita income is lower. Once again, should fundraising and other tactical financial strategies be advised in a setting where one may practice the complete opposite? Lastly, across the county, many rural communites have limited access to – or simply nonexistent- healthcare organizations to healthcare professionals, including nurses, social workers, and mental health professionals. Should encouragement of more healthcare professionals and services be suggested in a community where they may have substitutes?

Overall, it can be thought of as a polite gesture to advise and suggest new ways to effectively deliver healthcare; however, because these two societies dramatically differ it can also be considered an insult. These beliefs plagued my mind as I thought of multiple ways the rural community could improve their form of healthcare, but who am I to suggest a change in culture in an environment where they have been accustomed to these norms. In all honesty, we could probably take some suggestions from the rural community and implement them into our current system. These communities exemplify the different areas and beliefs that this country embodies. Though we may consider ourselves a very commercialized and urbanized country, there are still areas in which we have left untouched. I do believe that it may be best to leave rural areas as is, because at some point in this crazy shuffle of healthcare we will need to revert back to the basics of health

Patient Satisfaction

The perspective of the patient is one of the most important elements of any health care organization. The patient essentially affects all areas of the hospital. The patient provides customer loyalty, marketing by word-of-mouth, and reputation of the hospital. A patient being the most important determinant as to whether an adverse event has occurred is essential when effectively running an organization. Measurement of patient satisfaction stands poised to play an increasingly important role in the growing push toward accountability among health care providers. s physicians and hospitals experience growing pressure to increase the quality of their outcomes, enhance the safety of their patients and lower the cost of their care, analysts expect greater attention and scrutiny to be given to the accountability function of patient satisfaction scores, and to ways in which patient satisfaction measurement can be further integrated into an overall measure of clinical quality.

Wild Card- Human Resources

After working in the Human Resources department of Florida Hospital alongside HR managers and recruiters, I have gained a better appreciation for the application process. I cannot stress enough how vital this part of the employment process is, you could call it the "make it or break it" point. On any given day, I screen over 30 applicants for one particular position, however, when making the decision on whether or not to continue with a candidate, it becomes relatively easy. When screening, a recruiter will review your application to ensure that all parts have been completed. Attention to detail is extremely important, any minor mistake could get your application overlooked or thrown away. After the application process, the resume is then reviewed. During this process, one is looking for the level of work experience, highest level of education, and computer literacy. If all aspects of the resume have met the requirements for the job, recruiters then call the applicant to schedule an interview. The interview is of greatest importance during the application process. It is essential that you dress for the position that you are seeking. I have encountered applicants interviewing with shorts, T-shirts, and flip flops for a professional position. This not only says you have a lack of concern for your personal appearance but a lack of care for the position in which you’re interviewing for. Furthermore, when interviewing with a manager you want to keep in mind that you are selling yourself, any additionally experience that you may have in this area is a plus. It is important to be well- spoken and clear in anything that you say. It is at this point in the process that the manager will know if you will make a good addition to a team. You know what they say “first impressions are lasting impressions”!!

Following the interview, a decision to move forward is then made. If the recruiter decides to move forward with you, a request for references will be made. If the recruiter decides not to move forward with you, you will be contacted and informed why you may not have been a fit for this particular position. Once references have been spoken to managers then decide whether or not to make an offer. If the manager decides to make an offer, consider yourself hired. Although this process may seem pretty standard there is a lot of work put into it.

For anyone who plans on applying to Florida Hospital, please take my advice and pay close attention to detail in every step of the application process. In essence, sell yourself through your resume and make a lasting impression in your interview. Show personality but professionalism at the same time.

What Does Quality Mean to You?

When one thinks about quality and what it means, many thoughts may come to mind. Quality can be defined as the outcome of a particular task or product; it can also be used to describe a service that has been performed. In essence, quality is meant to express that a product and/or service is free from error and is guaranteed to deliver 100% satisfaction. Quality, when referred to in the healthcare industry, is of great importance. Some hospitals have the ability to execute in this area while others struggle. Many healthcare organizations create a board of executives that are dedicated specifically to creating new initiatives to improve quality. An example that exhibits the significance of quality can be shown in consumer choices. When consumers make decisions on products or services they base them on previous experiences, word-of-mouth, and quality. In order to be successful, it is important to place an emphasis on quality; good quality can be linked to excellent experiences which can then be linked to superior marketing for any business or individual. Additionally, quality demonstrates ones commitment to attention to detail. It can be noted that some of the most successful businesses have exceptional quality and continue to make efforts to enhance their quality.

Now when placing an emphasis on healthcare quality, it is important to understand what exactly is needed to achieve the proper delivery of quality care. Quality can expected from all aspects in the patients mind. The experience in a healthcare facility has to be a memorable one every time.