Education Key For ICU Manager To Adapt To Evolving Healthcare System

Improved access to quality healthcare means a greater need for hospitals to provide the same quality of health care they've provided for years without compromising on standards. For Barbara Gumnor, this requires daily collaboration with her team to make sure that the mission and core values of Dignity Health are being met and exceeded.

What does your job entail?

"I lead staff and manage operations in a 20-bed ICU at Methodist Hospital, Dignity Health. The primary role is to provide patients with the best care possible to ensure a positive patient outcome. The position requires frequent collaboration with the quality department, so goals, processes, and improvement metrics are established and adhered to. This ensures the highest quality of patient-centered care in alignment with our mission and core values: Dignity, justice, collaboration, stewardship, and excellence."

What do you most enjoy about your position?

"Witnessing the positive patient outcomes with the implementation of evidence-based research and practice, including patient and family satisfaction, increased independent functional status, or helping patients and families during end of life. I also find my job enjoyable and rewarding by leading and working with very diverse individuals who truly aspire to be the best they can be."

What was your education history like?

"I started with an Associate of Science in nursing, however, shortly after working as a bedside nurse, I knew I wanted to make a difference in caring for patients on a more global level. In order to accomplish this, I realized I needed the proper tools for success which resulted in obtaining my B.S. in nursing, which allowed me to work in education and management leadership. I then obtained my Master of Science in nursing to raise the bar higher with experience, which will lead to more leadership opportunities in research, education and management."

Has your education prepared you for this position?

"Absolutely. My education has prepared me to succeed in my position and helps me to respond to the demands of an evolving health care system. My advanced degree has tailored my 25 years of nursing experience in patient care, leading and transforming nurses with the latest evidence-based research and practice."

Paulo Acoba is a California native raised in the Bay Area and living in the Central Valley. He enjoys distance running, cycling and grassroots motorsports. He holds a degree in management from the University of California Merced. Paulo has been writing for Examiner.com since 2012 and covering the Fresno area.