inventory management system lets you update supplies seamlessly and
run invoicing directly through it, connects directly to suppliers and inte-
grates with QuickBooks or whichever accounting software you're
using. You want your system to work for you, instead of you for it.
Know what you don't know
There's so much to learn and so much to monitor as an adminis-
trator. You can't figure it out all at once. Admit what you don't know,
and get the clarity you need to determine:
• What you need to learn right away. For example, if you're undergo-
ing CMS and accreditation surveys in the same year, identify all the major
issues you need to address well in advance. Determine exactly what the
agencies are looking for and whether you're currently in compliance.
• What you can delegate to others to learn. You can always look to
enthusiastic workers as potential candidates for delegating those
time-consuming tasks that take you away from your core work (like
preparing for 2 surveys in a single year!), but here's another option:
Look to staffers who are most vocal in their discouragement. They
may be the perfect candidates for creating more efficient processes.
• What you can set aside for later exploration. If it doesn't impact
revenue, patient care or violate a regulation, you can probably back-
burner the task.
Have a sense of direction
"I don't know where I'm going, but I'm on my way." This quote
from poet Carl Sandburg perfectly encapsulates the challenge of run-
ning a facility in the midst of so many competing priorities. Though it's
tempting to simply respond to the latest crisis or opportunity, success-
ful leaders always have a destination in mind, and lead toward it.
Sounds obvious, right? The reality is often difficult — especially when
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