HOSPITAL CLOSURES: What is nurse executive’s role?

Five nurse executives who were employed at rural hospitals were interviewed about their experiences when their hospitals closed.  The researchers categorized key themes brought out in these interviews, which are discussed in this brief article.  They cover topics related to a flattening of the organizational structure of the hospitals, a strong sense of family among staff, development of crisis conditions concerning supplies and workforce and feelings of betrayal by the hospital owners.  They also mention the challenges of finding qualified board members and top administrators in small communities.  Another difficulty was the disposition of medical records after the closure.

Source: Warden, D.H., and Probst, J.C. (2017, January). The role of the nurse executive in rural hospital closure. JONA. Journal of Nursing Administration, 47(1), 5-7. Click here for publisher’s website: http://journals.lww.com/jonajournal/Abstract/2017/01000/The_Role_of_the_Nurse_Executive_in_Rural_Hospital.3.aspx   Posted by AHA Resource Center (312) 422-2050, rc@aha.org