White Papers

Healthcare Trends – 2010
by Doug Smith, MBA, MHA and Christine Ricci RN, MBA
Twice each year, B. E. Smith surveys 200 leading healthcare executives to provide insight into the issues they expect to face in the coming year.

Effective Revenue Cycle Management:
by Judith Myers, BS, FHFMA; Stacy Mays, MBA, MHA;
and Julee Thompson, RN, MSN, MBA
5 Actions You Can Take to Ensure Your Revenue Cycle Rises Above a Difficult Operating Environment.

Solve Your Next Crisis with Expedience and Experience
by James Brophy, FACHE and Colleen Chapp, RN, MHA, MSN, FACHE
Judicious healthcare leaders realize that crisis is inevitable. Crisis situations demand a focused approach and swift response. However, with all of the distractions that naturally accompany any crisis, it’s easy to panic and lose focus—resulting in mistakes that magnify negative outcomes and jeopardize the reputation and viability of the organization.

Achieving Financial Stability With Effective Resource Management
by Patricia Burns, RN, MSN; Teresa Golden, RN, MSN, NE-BC;
and Julee Thompson, RN, MSN, MBA
With myriad economic, regulatory and staffing pressures impacting today’s healthcare environment, effective resource management is critical to the financial stability of healthcare organizations. Yet, in spite of dramatic industry changes in recent years, many providers rely on oversimplified, outdated practices to manage resources.

Improving Financial Outcomes with High-Performing Charge Nurses
by Patricia Burns, RN, MSN; Beth Eagleton, RN, MN, Ph.D.;
Teresa Golden, RN, MSN, NE-BC; and Julee Thompson, RN, MSN, MBA
The complexity of the acute care setting has changed dramatically in recent years. With innovative treatments, technological advancements and new laws surfacing with increasing regularity, the demands on today’s charge nurses reflect a rapidly evolving healthcare climate. As the frontline leaders on the hospital unit, the performance of charge nurses makes a tremendous impact on the hospital’s success in terms of financial outcomes.

Surviving the “Other” Nursing Shortage
by Jodi Wilson, BSN, MBA, CEN and Ilah Stolz, RN, MS
Most hospitals have experienced the growing challenge of recruiting and retaining qualified nurse leaders. As the nursing shortage worsens, who is going to fill these key positions? One new strategy is proving to be an effective solution: engage skilled Interim Executive Consultants to mentor promising but less experienced candidates.

Emergency Department Overcrowded? Know Where to Look for the Right Solutions.
by Scott McIntyre, MHA, FACHE MS
Focusing too narrowly on the emergency department itself can distract the organization, frustrate staff, and waste money. If your hospital is like many facilities across the country, overcrowding in the emergency department is an almost daily occurrence.