Oklahoma Rural Health Leadership Initiative

PROJECT PURPOSE

The Oklahoma Rural Health Leadership Initiative is designed to make a difference in Oklahoma rural communities by focusing on improving leadership effectiveness. Leadership is the biggest predictor of rural health and wellbeing, and this initiative addresses this with unique programs developed exclusively for rural health leaders. Employee engagement has always been important in healthcare. Numerous studies have documented the impact of employee engagement: ? More satisfied patients ? Employees take less sick time ? Fewer on the job accidents ? Health outcomes are better ? Quality outcomes are better ? More satisfied community The Oklahoma Employee Engagement Project for Rural Hospitals will improve employee engagement and organizational culture by starting at the top. Engaged leadership is where it all begins. Through a team coaching process, leaders learn to recognize behaviors they can improve on to move the organization forward in a direction that fulfills their mission statement. This has an impact on the employees, leading to greater employee engagement. This process occurs over a 24-month period. Progress is documented and measured. The Oklahoma Rural Health Leadership Academy (ORHLA) is designed for anyone working in rural healthcare in a leadership role. Leadership is the biggest predictor of any organization?s viability. With all the challenges rural healthcare is confronted with, that is particularly true. Leadership is the biggest predictor of a rural community?s wellbeing. Leadership makes the difference! Empowering rural health leaders with enhanced leadership skills will assist them in becoming more effective leaders, a worthy and necessary cause. This program is designed to assist rural health leaders in the state of Oklahoma to become more effective leaders to improve the viability of rural hospitals and clinics, empowering them to create a culture of health and wellbeing within their respective communities. The ORHLA will engage current and emerging rural health leaders in the state of Oklahoma with enhanced leadership skills. This will be a 12-week program that is conducted virtually. The curriculum will be based on the Dynamic Rural Health Leadership Model developed by Bill Auxier, Ph.D. Learning Objectives Participants will realize: ? An understanding of their philosophical foundation of leadership by reflecting on their core values, guiding principles and worldview. ? Their personal definition of leadership. ? How to intentionally change, grow and evolve as a leader. ? How to hold others accountable. ? How to have opportunity conversations versus difficult conversations. ? How to lead with influence. ? How to motivate others. ? How to enhance employee engagement. ? How to make difficult decisions. ? How to influence organizational culture. ? How to be better engaged with the community. ? How to make a difference locally, regionally, statewide, and nationally.

EVIDENCE

None

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

This project will target hospital leadership and staff that are employed in the 40 Critical Access Hospitals across the state of Oklahoma.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

Processes for measuring project performance will be documented in the form of pre and post-test type assessments as well as an interview process for participant selection. Surveys will also be conducted by each participant to determine the effectiveness of the project. Additionally, project leads will conduct periodic assessments throughout the project period to measure success.

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

Able to continue operation without additional funding from the State of Oklahoma