The role of the nurse executive in health care philanthropy

As the health care landscape continues to change with reform, obtaining funding for clinical initiatives is becoming increasingly difficult. At Catholic Health Initiatives, a number of nurse executives have recognized the need for creative philanthropy to advance specific projects. They have embraced opportunities for partnerships with their hospital foundation chief development officers to leverage philanthropy toward clinical innovations and to improve quality of care. Following are their discussions which reveal just how important nurse and employee involvement is to attracting and using philanthropy dollars in the next era of health care.

Career inflection points of women who successfully achieved the hospital CEO position

Women are significantly underrepresented in hospital CEO positions, and this gender disparity has changed little over the past few decades. The purpose of this study was to analyze the career trajectories of successful female healthcare executives to determine factors that generated inflections in their careers. Using qualitative research methodology, we studied the career trajectories of 20 women who successfully ascended into a hospital CEO position. Our findings revealed 25 inflection points related to education and training, experience, career management, family, networking, and mentorship and sponsorship. We found substantial differences in the career inflection points by functional background. Inflections were more pronounced early in the careers of women in healthcare management, while clinical and administrative support executives experienced more inflections later as they took on responsibilities outside of their professional roles. Only two inflections were common among all the executives: completing a graduate degree and obtaining experience as a chief operating officer. More importantly, our findings show that organizational support factors are critical for the career advancement of women. We conclude with recommendations for individuals in an effort to enhance their career trajectories. We also provide recommended activities for organizations to support the careers of women in healthcare leadership.

CEO on a mission

A Detroit hospital leader rallies an entire community around his campaign to fight obesity, improve eating habits and promote fitness.

Clinical integration and the CFO

Healthcare CFOs should consider five strategies for promoting clinical integration: Seize the opportunity to work with physicians in demanding credible payment models from payers. Collaborate with physicians in redesigning compensation models and processes of care. Establish financial relationships with physicians who are not employed by the hospital or health system. Develop data-sharing relationships with referral sources. Become actively involved in creating an articulated, transparent approach to capacity control.

Developing a strategic board

Becoming a more strategic board doesn't happen on its own.

Set up to succeed

You've found the new CEO; onboarding will help you keep her.

Built on trust

Mutual trust is the foundation of the CEO-board relationship.

Transformation from the top

Transforming a hospital's culture leads to improved patient satisfaction and physician loyalty.