Why You Should Be A Healthcare Operations Manager

Healthcare operations management is a critical field that demands a unique blend of skills, adaptability, and strategic thinking. For those considering a career transition or advancement in this sector, the journey of Justin Hernandez offers valuable insights and lessons. As an operations manager at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Justin’s path from retail to healthcare exemplifies how non-traditional career routes can lead to success in this dynamic industry.

Transitioning from Retail to Healthcare Operations Management

Justin’s career transition from retail to healthcare operations demonstrates the value of transferable skills. His 16 years in retail management provided him with essential competencies that proved invaluable in his current role: people management experience, data analysis skills, the ability to work under pressure, and a sense of urgency in task completion. These skills translated well into healthcare, where managing large teams, analyzing data for process improvement, and maintaining a sense of urgency are crucial. Justin’s experience highlights that career changers can leverage their existing skillsets to overcome challenges in transitioning to healthcare operations.

Advancing in Healthcare Leadership Without a Degree

One of the most striking aspects of Justin’s career progression is his ability to advance to a managerial position without a bachelor’s degree. His approach offers valuable lessons for aspiring healthcare leaders: focus on producing high-quality results, showcase your work to the right people, embrace self-promotion, pursue relevant certifications (e.g., Green Belt), and engage in continuous learning. Justin’s experience proves that performance and results can sometimes outweigh formal education in career advancement. However, he emphasizes the importance of ongoing education, as he continues to work towards his bachelor’s degree while excelling in his role.

Building Mentorship Relationships in Healthcare Administration

Mentorship plays a crucial role in career development, especially in healthcare administration. Justin’s approach to building mentorship relationships offers valuable insights: proactively reach out to potential mentors, set up regular check-ins (e.g., quarterly lunches), show willingness to invest in your own growth, and leverage networking opportunities at conferences and industry events. Justin’s relationships with mentors like Joe Anton and Chris Cullum have been instrumental in his career growth. These connections not only provide guidance but also open doors to new opportunities in the healthcare sector.

Data-Driven Healthcare Management and Process Improvement

In his role, Justin faced the challenge of limited historical data and outdated systems. His approach to implementing data-driven management offers valuable lessons: identify key metrics and data points needed for decision-making, leverage existing resources to start data collection, implement systems for ongoing data analysis, and use data to drive process improvements and measure success. Under Justin’s leadership, his team significantly improved patient turnaround times, reducing the average from 127 minutes to 68 minutes. This achievement underscores the importance of data-driven decision-making in healthcare operations.

Creating and Leading Interdisciplinary Healthcare Teams

Effective healthcare operations management often requires collaboration across various departments. Justin’s strategies for building and leading interdisciplinary teams include identifying key stakeholders from different departments, establishing multi-disciplinary committees, fostering open communication and active listening, balancing different priorities across departments, and sharing results and successes with other departments. These approaches help in creating a collaborative environment that addresses complex healthcare challenges from multiple perspectives.

Strategies for Healthcare Career Advancement

For those looking to advance their careers in healthcare operations, Justin offers several key strategies: schedule regular check-ins with supervisors to discuss progress and goals, share results and successes across departments to increase visibility, utilize professional networks and platforms like LinkedIn, be open to constructive feedback and use it for personal growth, and look for opportunities to contribute to multi-disciplinary projects. These strategies can help healthcare professionals increase their visibility, demonstrate their value, and position themselves for career advancement opportunities.

Justin Hernandez’s journey in healthcare operations management offers valuable insights for both career changers and those looking to advance within the healthcare sector. His experience underscores the importance of adaptability, data-driven decision-making, interdisciplinary collaboration, and continuous learning in achieving success in this dynamic field.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

How can I transition from a non-healthcare background to healthcare operations management?

Focus on identifying transferable skills from your current role, such as people management, data analysis, or process improvement. Look for entry-level positions in healthcare that align with your skillset and be prepared to start in a lower position initially. Pursue relevant certifications and continue your education to enhance your qualifications.

Is a degree necessary to advance in healthcare operations management?

While a degree can be beneficial, Justin’s experience shows that it’s not always necessary for advancement. Focus on producing exceptional results, showcasing your work, and pursuing relevant certifications. However, continuing your education, even while working, can provide additional opportunities for growth.

How can I find mentors in healthcare administration?

Actively network within your organization and at industry events. Reach out to leaders you admire and request informational interviews or regular check-ins. Demonstrate your commitment to growth and be willing to invest time in these relationships. Platforms like LinkedIn can also be useful for connecting with potential mentors.

What are some key skills needed for success in healthcare operations management?

Important skills include people management, data analysis, process improvement, adaptability, and the ability to work under pressure. Strong communication skills, particularly in interdisciplinary settings, are also crucial. Continuous learning and staying updated on industry trends are essential for long-term success.

How can I implement data-driven decision-making in my healthcare role?

Start by identifying key metrics relevant to your department’s goals. Implement systems for data collection and analysis, even if you’re starting from scratch. Use this data to inform process improvements and measure their impact. Share your findings with other departments to foster a data-driven culture across the organization.