I jumped right in. Going from expert to novice in one full jump! Every day has been full of challenges and learning opportunities for me. Sometimes doubting myself and sometimes having confidence. Luckily in our facility they have instituted a dyad leadership model with a physician and a nurse leading each hospital and I have a great physician partner. I am very comfortable with this model as we have been using it successfully for many years in Women's Services. I knew it could work. I have enjoyed working with my dyad partner on a day in and day out basis. Thanks Harry!
There have been a lot of new meetings to attend, new terms to learn, people to meet, and for me, things outside the world of Women's Services. I was able to promote one of my supervisors to the Manager of Women's Services after the first month in my new role and that has helped tremendously because I learned quickly I could not do both roles at the same time. I am thankful for Liz for stepping up to the plate and out of her comfort zone too!
One thing we do is round on patients every Thursday with our Leadership team. It is fun. I get to work with a Lean coach who has been very helpful in my transition. It was my Lean coach who came to me after one of the first leadership rounds and said, "When you go in to the patient room and introduce yourself, tell them you are the Vice President of Patient Care. You don't have to say you are the Director of Women's Service. Say it and believe it!" So after that, I began to say it with confidence. Thank you Thu!
I have learned to work with a great assistant who helps me stay on task and make it to all my meetings. She has kept me in order and helped with my transition and I appreciate her more than she will ever know! Thanks Jessica!
Most of all, I have been finding out that I like this new interim position, more than I ever dreamed I would. I love learning new things and I love being able to make a difference. Morale of the story, if you are asked, don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone! Learn something new every day! It makes work fun! BUT, take care of yourself and don't forget to BREATHE!! After all, it is an Optimal Healing Environment that we work in!
