I took the time that was needed to assess my current situation. I was able to determine that there is a disconnect between words and actions in this organization and a desperate need for them to maintain control and engage in micromanagement. Clinical decisions have continued to be made by operational leaders without clinical input, often having negative impacts on patient/resident care. In the end, I made the decision to give my 30 day notice based on leadership styles and these confirmed actions. It has not been an easy decision, but it was not an emotional one so I am able to find reassurance knowing that it was made in an objective manner and based on factual data.
***Stepping up on my soap box*** Can I say one more thing about an Autocratic leadership style and Micromanagement? They impede and undermine the ability to have a culture of safety. A culture of safety ensures that patient safety is the top priority by reducing the risk of medical errors, preventable harm, and adverse events (which contribute to better patient outcomes). The staff must feel a certain level of psychological safety to be comfortable expressing themselves without fear of judgment, humiliation, ridicule, punishment, or harassment in order to report incidents and adverse events that negatively impact patient care. Within the Autocratic leadership style, there is a very narrow path of psychological safety. The staff fail to report any “near misses” or incidents due to fear of punishment and ridicule. This in turn puts patients at risk and prevents a culture of safety. A poor safety culture contributes to adverse events such as patient falls, medication errors, hospital re-admissions, and other consequences. ***Stepping down from my soap box***
After many deep discussions, my husband and I have decided to go back on the road. We have a bucket list of a few more places that we have not visited, much less been able to live. I applied for my Alaska license. It is expected to take 8-10 weeks for it to be processed, so that will most likely not be our first destination, but maybe the following one. I would like to go to the west coast -maybe Oregon or Washington – as well as Montana and Florida. I guess we will see what happens.
I have begun to harvest some items from my garden: beets, cucumbers, and tomatoes. I may not be here when the rest of the garden is ready. I’m sad about that, but I am hoping that my daughter will gather my birdhouse gourds. I know I shouldn’t be so excited about those, but I really am. My grandparents had them when I was growing up and I remember them laying on the porch to dry out before being made into houses for the birds, each one of them unique in their shape and color.
I need to start prepping for the travel which means a laundry list of items: I need to get the RV prepared, just in case we take it (depends on location); I will need to get a new health physical, blood work, drug test, and complete other compliance items; Wookie needs an annual exam to get his prescription refilled; Oil needs to be changed in my car prior to departure; The list continues to grow.
When I came back home, one of my goals was to have lunch with my dad. It soon became apparent that would not be feasible due to the demands of my position (once I walked into the facility every morning, there was no leaving until end of day). So, we adjusted and had coffee at 0630 prior to starting a busy day. It became a ritual that we continued every week. It is one of the things that I will miss the most when I go back on the road.
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