Unit 1 Discussion Board - Essay Example

Running Head Unit Discussion Board Unit Discussion Board Management is both art and science because it is based on strict guidelines and theories but it requires flexibility and innovation in its implementation. As a science, management sets organizational priorities and dictates which issues and concerns need to be managed most closely. If innovation in certain service niches is the priority, then it might be most effective to organize around output. If the most pressing strategic issues are cost and efficiency, then grouping by activity or function might be most appropriate.

As a science, management must weigh the strengths and weaknesses of the basic forms and choose the one -- or the combination -- that is most congruent with the strategy (Daniels, 2004). As the twenty-first century rapidly approaches, numerous questions are being raised in an attempt to guide health care policy toward greater social harmony, to alleviate social dilemmas created by competing sets of values, and to confront the realities of current health care economics. Instability, volatility, and incredible change are forcing a reexamination of societal values along with changing consumer expectations of health care (Kozier 2004).

I agree with the statement that management is both science and art because it demands creative application of traditional theories and concepts. In healthcare, those values of individualism, competition, cost containment, efficiency, and technology that are currently driving health care policy and health care systems are also influencing nursings ability to provide quality care. A look to the past demonstrates the evolution of the changing scene in nursing practice. As health care increasingly runs along business lines, competition occurs through mergers, acquisitions, and the expansion into new markets (Mckenna, 1997).

What becomes clear is that quality of care is not the major focus of the competitiveness. Reduced revenues have even led to a reduction in the registered nurse workforce as unlicensed assistive personnel are hired to reduce labor costs and act as nurse extenders. It is clear that new and creative approaches to health care and nursing care are needed (Daniels, 2004).Regulations in healthcare demand flexibility and creativity, new vision of old theories and practices. On the other hand, they stipulate strict limits and rules important for healthcare professionals.

Now is a time of transition for health care institutions and health care in general (Kozier 2004). The issue of allocation of scarce health-related resources has become almost paramount, leading to serious ramifications for institutions, health care personnel, and consumers around the globe. Ethical questions of the past were related to affluence; the problems of today deal with scarcity. Yet, efforts to control costs have been erratic, with various reasons given to explain high costs. Initially the problem of increasing hospital costs was attributed to poor management (Mckenna, 1997).

The drivers of value in healthcare are unique and individualized approach to each patient in accordance with his needs and cultural traditions. Historically and traditionally the majority of sick and injured people were cared for by families. Eventually early hospitals emerged that provided services for those who had no home or family, including orphans, soldiers, travelers, the impoverished, nuns and monks (religious orders), and in some cases the insane. Today, the responsibility of healthcare is to create positive environment and climate for each patient (Mckenna, 1997).

Currently, new organizational and administrative structures, job restructuring, decreased hospital stays, increased patient acuity, the rise of consumerism, and mergers are reshaping health care and hospitals. Hospital closures and "downsizing" (the negative connotation of the term "downsizing" is one factor that has led to the use of the term "rightsizing") are occurring in the face of cost-containment pressures and a shrinking hospital industry, even in countries that have national health care systems.

In such cases, its important to maintain and capitalize on existing sources of competitive advantage while reorganizing to meet new strategic objectives. And that can best be achieved through mixed organizational forms and a combination of art and science of management theory (Kozier 2004). References1. Daniels, R. (2004). Nursing Fundamentals: Caring and Clinical Decision Making, Thomas Learning, Oregon.2. Kozier B., Erb G., Berman A. & Snyder S. (2004). Fundamentals of Nursing: Concepts, Process and Practice, New Jersey, Pearson Education Inc.3. Mckenna, H. (1997). Nursing Theories and Models.

Routledge.