Bonus 40 Fast and Future Leaders of Surgical Services – Interview: Joshua Baxter, DNP, MBA, CRNA
Congratulations to Joshua Baxter, DNP, MBA, CRNA as our “bonus” 40 Fast and Future Leader of Surgical Services – Class of 2023
We have one more 40 Fast and Future Leader of Surgical Services interview to highlight: Joshua Baxter, DNP, MBA, CRNA, Clinical Director of Perioperative Services at Nashville General Hospital. Baxter’s background is in anesthesia, so he had a lot to learn about all the moving parts of the OR. Read more of his insights below.
Interview answers were edited for length and clarity.
What professional challenges have helped you grow as a leader?
To understand the point of view of all my team members. Coming from a background in anesthesia, I had to learn the role of everyone in the operating room and how I could support each member.
What tactics have proven effective for increasing retention and engagement in the OR?
Listen to the needs of the team. We have many stakeholders in the OR, but there is no greater investment than in your team. Listen to them, investigate the issue, and offer a resolution. It is not always the answer the team would like, but it shows that you are engaged. It is important to give both positive and constructive feedback. Listening to the needs of the team. We have many stakeholders in the OR but there is no greater investment than in your team. Listen to them, investigate the issue, and offer a resolution. It is not always the answer the team would like, but it shows that you are engaged. It is important to give both positive and constructive feedback.
What is your secret sauce or superpower?
I will do whatever role is needed to get the job done. From providing anesthesia to mopping the floor, I have done it all. Whatever role is needed I will do to get the job done. From providing anesthesia to mopping the floor, I have done it all.
Where are we in the development of AI assistance in patient care? What is your opinion on its use?
AI is the future of healthcare—the ability to diagnose health issues earlier and better is the goal of every practitioner. AI has limitless possibilities and potential in healthcare.AI is the future of healthcare. The to be ability to diagnose health issues earlier and better is the goal of every practitioner. AI has limitless possibilities and potential in healthcare.
How can hospitals improve profitability for 2024?
Decrease the number of traveling perioperative staff. Invest in your full-time staff and recruit travelers to join your team full-time. In our unit, we have decreased the travel staff by 50%. A positive work environment and competitive wages/benefits go a long way in retaining staff.
Do you have an OR tip you can share with your peers?
Make yourself present when you are at work. Showing up does not necessarily mean your team sees you. Jump in and help even when your team does not ask you.
Which stakeholders are the hardest to win over? Surgeons? Administrators? Seasoned direct reports?
Nonclinical administrators. Take the emotion out of what you are speaking about and present real, understandable data to support your cause.
Carisa Brewster
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