Being proactive means anticipating future problems, needs, or changes. If you have been in healthcare for just a little while you know the one thing you can count on is change. The key to being proactive is really about the future and focusing on the things you can control instead of all those you cannot. It also means taking responsibility.
You might be familiar with the 5 Ps to hourly rounding – potty, pain, position, possessions, and peaceful environment, but there are also 5 Ps to being proactive – predict, prevent, plan, participate, and perform. Predict what you think will happen, prevent things that may have negative outcomes, make a plan, participate in the plan - don’t just watch, and take responsibility by performing the duties that are required to carry out the plan.
One of the most important skills you need to acquire to be proactive is to set goals, not just goals but SMART goals – Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Timely. All leaders at Iowa Specialty Hospitals are in the process of formulating their department goals for next fiscal year. At a recent LDI, Rayne did a great presentation to the team on SMART goals to get everyone to be a little more proactive. Your leaders should be sharing with you in the next couple months what the SMART goals are for your department.
Until next time……
