IGNITE Leadership Academy LeadingAge New York 2014-15 2014-15 | Page 15

Linda Hirt
Vice President Clinical Services/
Administrator
Episcopal SeniorLife Communities

Standardization of Clinical Policies
and Procedures
1

How would you describe your Action Learning Project and the difference you hope it will make to
advance your organization’s mission (or the field) and benefit the individuals you serve?

Episcopal SeniorLife Communities is an organization that offers independent, assisted living (both enhanced and special needs) and skilled
nursing to the senior population of Rochester. As vice president of clinical services, it has become evident with our growth that there is a need
to standardize clinical policies and procedures throughout our three assisted living facilities. As an organization it is our mission to achieve the
highest quality of care in a consistent, safe and least restrictive manner at all sites. Policies such as medication assistance can vary among the
three sites, which could ultimately drive a difference in patient outcomes, satisfaction and cost. Review of the existing policies at all three sites
and scheduled meetings with the RN care director from each site began as a means to identify our process moving forward. Goals are being
clearly defined with our targeted results both short-term and long-term.

2

How have the relationships you’ve developed as part of your project (with mentors, partners,
stakeholders, etc.) influenced this direction and you as a leader?

Episcopal SeniorLife Communities as an organization must sustain viability in future value-based, healthcare delivery. We need to be seen
as a provider of choice in a consumer-driven environment. Variation in clinical policies and procedures could lead to a difference in patient
outcomes, satisfaction and cost for our existing three sites, which is not beneficial in this competitive marketplace. Episcopal SeniorLife
Communities strives to provide clinical excellence across the continuum of care for senior living.

3

What have been important turning points for you, in your own learning, as you’ve engaged with the
action learning process (you might consider a surprise, insight, setback, or challenge)?

Barriers and challenges encountered when initiating a project do not always relate to the specificity of the project. Many are similar for all
projects: the commitment of all players, the level of priority each individual places on the project and the time needed to complete the project.
As the leader of this project, I see that the individual’s style and ability becomes evident. Working as a team to complete this project relies on
the coaching provided by me and an understanding of each individual’s ability, strengths, weakness and potential. The ability to dis