My Live Personal Interview Example

What are some of the challenges and rewards of being a health administrator?

In my line of career, I face many challenges, which arise from day-to-day operations of the facility. First and foremost, building a consensus when implementing a strategic plan, with all concerned, is always a difficult task. I was once tasked to implement an expansion program for the facility, which could have led to expanding the services offered by the facility, as well as, increasing the number of staff. The board of members had different opinions on what they wanted to be expanded in terms of the facility and services being offered to patients. Some of the member wanted the cancer unit to be expanded in order to offer better services to patients and further research be conducted on cancer disease. Others member wanted the neurology department be equipped with modern facilities to combat all neurological referrals within the state. We discussed all the pros and cons of implementing the different ideas until we settled on expansion of the cancer unit of the hospital. This needed a lot of patience with a lot of convincing power to bring on board all the members of the hospital team to one consensus.

The rewards are vast for this position. The most rewarding thing for a health administrator is the provision of improved health services to all patients. When all patients are treated, and become well, this serves as the most fulfilling thing in life as I have relieved the suffering of another human being. We help in advocating for changes in health care policy in order to ensure that the poor, those at risk populations are covered with improved healthcare as well as preventive care. The achievement of this is beneficial to the world at large in terms of living in a fuller and healthier manner. When the hospital achieves considerable success in the provision of its services, the health administrators are offered monetary rewards to boost their morale. In addition, the facility organizes for holidays for the administrators with their families.

What training is one required to have in order to become a health administrator?

First and foremost is the will and desire to help the sick, despite the situation. To be a health administrator one has to have done a Bachelors of Science in Healthcare Management. This is the fundamental course that is required to develop skills to take on leadership roles in any type of healthcare facility. The state also requires that, for one to be a Healthcare management professional, one has to get certified as well as license for those who want to operate their own facilities. A set of requirements may be needed by these certification bodies. The main requirement is a bachelor’s degree in some facet of healthcare. In addition, a series of certification courses may be undertaken to fulfill the requirements. This means that for one to be a healthcare professional, a combination of education, an examination and professional experience is needed in order to be certified. Some of the certification I have achieved Certified Healthcare Executive (CHE) and of Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE). These titles are recognized nationally. Another credential I have been bestowed with is the Certified Medical Practice Executive (CMPE). One has to keep abreast at all the latest advanced technologies, patient care techniques and human resource developments in order to be the best healthcare manager.

Reference

Kovner, A., & Friedman, L., (Eds.). (2012). 101 Careers in Healthcare Management. New York: Springer Publishing Company.