Ms. Howell joined Greenspring in June 2009 at the request of OrthoMaryland CEO Heidi Mattingly. She says, "Our mutual goal was to include time management, inventory control and traffic patterns conducive with optimum flow, increased productivity and future growth. My challenge was to produce a comprehensive action plan which incorporated the entire Greenspring team, and with the approval of the Greenspring board of directors, implement said plan." Ms. Howell was able to take control of this task as her background includes ASC consulting, administration in ambulatory care and hospital-based ORs, surgical trauma and emergency medicine management experience. She also has a clinical background with certifications as an RN first assistant, certified operating room nurse, certified emergency nurse and legal nurse consultant.
Ms. Howell takes pride in her staff's ability to adapt to new policies and regulations. "With the cooperation and expertise of the entire Greenspring Surgery Center team, we have embraced the challenges of implementing the additions and conditions of coverage presented by the CMS Infection Control Program," she says. "We are proud to report we have passed successfully the unannounced federal CMS Infection Control Survey."
Staff engagement is crucial to an ASC's success, according to Ms. Howell, and she enjoys getting inspiration from her staff members. "The most rewarding moment for me as an administrator is that single pause — a slight hesitation, then tentatively, the staff member speaks softly and presents a profound new idea which is not singular but includes the entire team. For me, that is the pivotal moment which defines the successful model of management I embrace. Manage by example, be open to new ideas, listen carefully and maintain visibility," she says.
Ms. Howell says her advice for administrators is, "Keep your door open, provide tons of M&Ms and I guarantee you will build an unstoppable team."
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