Nursing Home Administrator Research Paper

Overview

The profession I hope to obtain in the very near future is a Healthcare

Administrator, or also called a Medical/Health Service Manager.

These managers plan, direct, and coordinate medical and health services. They may manage an

entire facility, a specific department or clinical area, or even a medical practice for

a group of doctors. Medical and Health services managers work in hospitals, nursing homes, and

private medical groups. They are in charge of directing any changes in regards to healthcare,

laws, rules, and regulations, and technology. So it is important that these managers keep up with

the current laws and regulations to be able to make these necessary changes in the area they are

working in.

Educational Requirements
Usually medical and health services managers/administrators have a bachelors degree

before they begin work in their profession.

However, sometimes the preferred degree, is a masters, but of course this depends on the

prospective employer, and may vary from facility to facility. Most programs last between 2-3

years, and it might include 1 year of administrative experience in a hospital or

medical/healthcare setting, supervised. Prospective health managers typically obtain a

degree in public health administration, nursing, health management, business administration, or

healthcare administration, which is my chosen degree program. Healthcare administration or

Health information management focus on both management and healthcare combined business

related courses. There is no required certification/ licensure to be a medical/health administrator,

unless you want to work in nursing home.
To be able to be a nursing home administrator, most

states require you to complete a state- approved program, and pass a national licensing exam.

Some health managers may choose to get certification from certain professional organizations,

such as the American Health Information Management Association, or the American College of

Health Administrators.

Essential Qualities
Personality and skill sets required in my profession.

Upon taking the personality questionnaire, there were a few qualities/personality traits that were

mentioned that are definitely needed in this profession. They are: Integrity, Leadership,

Initiative, Dependability, Stress Tolerance, and Adaptability/Flexibility. In reviewing this profile

more in depth it did reiterate my social ability. In my profession, you have to be very

communicative with the medical professionals to make sure they are in accordance with

current laws, rules and regulations. I definitely see that I need to work better at my leadership

skills, because it is important to be able to motivate, lead and direct staff in certain or most areas.

This includes being able to hire and train staff as well.

KU Career
Services
KU Career Services will prove to be very helpful to me in my career goals. They have

interview prep, networking tips, virtual employer and career events, 24/7 online access to job

openings,

resume and cover letter reviews, to name a few. I love the resume tips, and cover letter tips that

are provided. I personally think the reminder to have my resume and cover letter reviewed by a s

pecialist to ensure I am putting my best foot forward professionally, is an awesome tool. There

are also groups related to your specific degree where you can talk to other students who also

have the same degree you have.

Looking Into the Future
In 5 years I see myself being a graduate of Kaplan University with my BAS Degree

in Healthcare Administration. I hope to be working in my field, getting the experience

in management, and having a hands on approach in my profession. I really enjoy working in a

hospital setting, so I hope to be back in a hospital, and overseeing a department.