Strategic Planning Reflective Journal

1) I predicted we would learn about how to make our planning processes more meaningful and purposeful.

2) I actually learned that strategic planning is the nuts and bolts of how we’re getting from where we are to our ultimate goal (Lecture Part 1). Strategic plans used to be about 5 years long. Since CEOs have a turnover rate of about 18-36 months, strategic plans are now about 6-, 12-, 18-, and 24-months long. A nurse leader must consider the organization’s goals for utopia, and then determine a plan of action on how they will get there. It is important to remember to keep the organization’s mission/vision/values in line with their goals. If they are conflicting, the outcomes will be poor. From an administration viewpoint, a strategic plan may be building another hospital in a neighboring city within 3 years. From a nurse leader’s view, a strategic plan can be planning ways to meet goals on their individual unit, such as providing excellent patient care to total-hip patients in a short time period. Training, instructions, and written-plans are important for the best possible outcomes when strategically planning. One must also consider the operational aspects and data support throughout the process.

From our readings, I learned that organizations that look to the future and meet the challenges head on will have a better chance of survival (https://www.ache.org/pubs/Zuckerman_Ch1.pdf). Strategic plans should be inquisitive, expansive, prescient, inventive, inclusive and demanding. It is important to first assess the internal/external environment and ask the question, “Where are we now?” After considering the positioning for your future and direction you want to go, strategy formulation is the next step. This is where one establishes goals and objectives. The next step is Implementation Planning, in which actions required are identified. Lastly, execution updates that are consistently communicated, will help make the strategic planning process a success.

The benefits of strategically planning are:

            -Secures the future

            -Provides a road map, direction and focus

            -Sets priorities

            -Allocates resources

            -Establishes measures

            -Gathers input/ideas

            -Generates commitment

            -Coordinates action

(Refer to https://www.ache.org/pubs/Zuckerman_Ch1.pdf)

I also learned the typical problems that limit effectiveness of strategic planning. First is failure to involve the appropriate people, including too many, too few, or not the “right” stakeholders. Next, conducting strategic planning independently of financial planning can lead to poor outcomes. Falling prey to analysis paralysis, not addressing critical issues, failure to achieve consensus, lacking flexibility and responsiveness to dynamic environments, and ignoring resistance to change are the other problems that limit effectiveness of strategic planning (https://www.ache.org/pubs/Zuckerman_Ch1.pdf).

3) I enjoyed the discussion about creating some type of Masters in Nursing program at our university. I liked researching the nearby schools and the programs they offered. I got this feeling of competitiveness inside me, while trying to come up with a strategic plan for our university. I wanted to positively position UVU by having it offer a Masters in Nurse Anesthesia program.  I still believe it would be in high demand.

4) I plan to utilize the information I have learned  in my nursing practice by aligning departmental goals with the organization’s mission, vision, and values. I understand in order for a hospital to be successful, it takes active participation from all departments. By working together and aligning their goals with the hospital’s mission, the company can be more successful as a whole. In a sense, it gives more strength and unity. Employees feel a part of the organization. My goal, as a future nurse leader, is to help my fellow employees understand the importance behind goal creation and visions for the future.

5) I enjoyed the material covered. I liked how strategic planning can be compared to playing the game of chess. This is a game I love since you  plan your offensive moves, while predicting the moves of your opponent, all the while trying to win. It can easily be applied to the goals of an organization, and “strategically planning” your way to get there.