Running an Ambulatory Surgery Center (ASC) requires a multifaceted approach, and the administrator's role is vital in ensuring the facility's smooth operation. The article "ASC Management is a Skill: A Day in the Administrator Role" by Tarsilla Moura explores the dynamic and challenging nature of this position through the insights of Nyleen Flores, chief administrative officer at Lake Oconee Orthopedics.
The Role of an ASC Administrator
The ASC administrator acts as the CEO, CFO, and COO of their center. Unlike hospitals, ASCs typically do not have a comprehensive C-suite, so the administrator is responsible for every aspect of the center's operation. Flores categorizes her duties into four main areas:
Event Planning: This involves conducting business reviews to ensure the center meets its daily quotas, addressing cancellations, and coordinating with medical representatives.
Event Coordination: The administrator ensures that scheduled events—whether a surgical procedure, staff meeting, or regulatory check—are executed as planned.
Compliance Assurance: Regular team rounds help the administrator stay ahead of potential issues, ensuring staff members are well-trained, up-to-date, and ready for any situation.
Problem Solving: ASCs are unpredictable, and administrators must handle various issues, from physician requests to staff conflicts, with agility.
Documentation and Oversight
Maintaining proper documentation is crucial. While the administrator may not be directly involved in clinical drills, they ensure that such drills occur on time and are documented appropriately. This level of oversight helps maintain compliance and safety.
The Evolution of ASC Leadership
Flores explains that while nurse leaders traditionally occupied the administrator role, healthcare's evolving landscape has welcomed more non-nursing professionals into this position. These individuals, like herself, often bring valuable administrative and business expertise that complements the clinical knowledge within the team. She emphasizes that while nursing credentials are valuable, they are not the only pathway to being an effective ASC administrator.
Overcoming Bias and Stigma
Flores encountered stigma early in her career when some staff members resisted working for a non-nurse administrator. However, by advocating for the nursing team and showing respect for their expertise, she earned their trust and respect. She argues that the best administrator is not necessarily defined by clinical or non-clinical credentials but by their understanding of healthcare operations and their ability to lead effectively.
The Role of Nurse Leadership in ASCs
Though the administrator may not have clinical duties, nurse leadership remains integral to ASC operations. The director of nursing, similar to a chief nursing officer in a hospital, oversees the clinical aspects of the center. Flores believes it is vital for these roles to remain distinct, as combining them would place too much responsibility on one individual.
Managing Smaller ASCs
Most ASCs operate on a smaller scale, with two to six operating rooms, and face financial constraints. In these centers, nurse leaders may take on multiple roles, such as infection prevention or risk management, due to the limited resources. Larger ASCs may have department leads reporting to the director of nursing, but the administrator remains the single executive overseeing the center's operations.
Leading by Example
Flores concludes that the attitude and approach of the administrator shape the overall atmosphere of the ASC. Effective leadership starts at the top, and a proactive and positive administrator can create a motivated and efficient team.
Read more here from Nyleen Flores as she shares her journey and offers insights into the skills needed to succeed in this challenging role. 🌟
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