Iowa Specialty Hospital

Amy's Reflections

October 5, 2017

“I want to challenge you today to get out of your comfort zone. You have so much incredible potential on the inside. God has put gifts and talents in you that you probably don't know anything about.”~ Joel Osteen

I have been writing lately about experiences that have forced me outside of my comfort zone. I had another such opportunity last week. Steve, Dr. Diamond, Julie Richter, and I were asked to be on a TV show for Minnesota Public Television to discuss the changes and challenges in rural healthcare. I really thought that they would do little interview clips with prepared questions so we would have time to gather our thoughts. Nope, we were part of a panel discussion on a 56 minute show with no breaks, no cuts, and no do overs. I seriously had a panic attack about half way through the show and could just envision myself passing out and knocking Steve over as I fell. I was able to calm myself down, but it was definitely well outside of my comfort zone. I was quite pleased with myself that I survived, and very thankful for Steve and Dr. Diamond, as they were great at keeping the discussion going. It was a great growth opportunity for me, and I am thankful that I had the opportunity to participate. 

Part of the discussion revolved around the reduction in services at the Albert Lea facility as they move a lot of the inpatient services to the Austin facility. Although frustrating to the patients and communities in that area, the ever changing healthcare environment will force these difficult decisions across the nation. All healthcare facilities are experiencing the pinch of change and the decline in reimbursement. This requires creativity and tenacity to survive and weather the storm. We, at Iowa Specialty Hospitals and Clinics, are not immune to these pressures, but we do our best to try to stay ahead of the changes. It is inevitable that things will continue to change and adapt with rural healthcare. We are vital to our communities, and we must continue to fight to serve our patients. This will require each of us to look at things differently and not just do what we have always done. Here’s to unleashing our creativity because if we work together there is nothing we can’t accomplish. I am so proud to be part of this team. Thank you for the difference you make.

“He who rejects change is the architect of decay. The only human institution which rejects progress is the cemetery.” -Harold Wilson

« Back

© 2024 Iowa Specialty Hospital. All rights reserved.