Changing Healthcare System Stresses Importance Of Ongoing Learning
Kathleen M. Burkey, RN, MSN, oversees all nursing services and marketing as the chief nursing officer, vice president of Patient Care Services at Grand View Health. Grand View is a private, non-profit hospital in Sellersville, PA. Burkey acquired her Master of Science in Nursing from Gwynedd-Mercy College and Bachelors of Science in Healthcare Administration at Philadelphia University.
Can you describe your duties as a healthcare administrator?
"My focus is really on leadership and how I help shape the process and design of care within Grand View Health. The healthcare environment is changing at an accelerated pace and my role is to advocate for both patients and nursing staff. I see my role as fluid and evolving depending on the project. In today's world, every day is different and requires a broad range of talents such as leadership, financial awareness, relationship building and flexibility."
How has education prepared you for your career in healthcare administration?
"Learning and education are lifelong pursuits; once you stop learning you are really falling behind and becoming irrelevant in the world of healthcare. The healthcare environment is constantly changing, and this is the constant challenge that leadership must face and embrace. I am curious by nature, so I am always up to learning something new! Formal education gives you the foundation, but I believe it is the experiences along the way that really guide you as a leader."
What continuing education is required for your role?
"In my present role, a Master's of Science in nursing is required, but the reality of leadership is not defined so much by the degrees as by the journey of continuous learning. I have undergraduate degrees in both nursing and healthcare administration, which have been invaluable in my career. I am actively involved in my regional, state and national nursing associations and see this as a requirement for all nursing professionals. The networking and relationship building are key elements of leadership and growth, and nursing associations such as SEPONL (Southeastern Pennsylvania Organization of Nurse Leaders), PONL (Pennsylvania Organization of Nurse Leaders) and AONE (American Organization of Nurse Executives) are great opportunities to see beyond your own four walls."
What advice would you give someone just starting out?
"Be curious and involved, never turn down the opportunity to try something new…be fearless. Know that you will never know it all, but be unafraid to accept the challenges that most definitely will come your way. Don't get lost in your own world; look outside your world and reach out to others. You will have many different careers within your career and this is what really makes your work interesting and worthwhile. Be engaged in whatever you are doing and learn by your mistakes and those of others. They are some of life's best lessons. Be positive, have fun and don't take yourself too seriously."
Christina Thompson is a freelance writer living in Philadelphia. She reports on various topics such as: Social Media, Local Events, Entertainment, Food and Drink and more. Her work can be found at http://firstsendmedia.com/
