You Are Asked To Address The Issue Below During A Job Interv ✓ Solved
You Are Asked To Address The Issue Below During A Job Interview
You are asked to address the issue below during a job interview. Describe how you, as a healthcare administrator, would function and communicate effectively and respectfully within the broad context of cultural diversity among both your employees and patients. Your answer should demonstrate your understanding of cultural competency as well as your understanding of its importance in the healthcare setting. Your response should be at least 200 words in length.
A healthcare administrator sent the e-mail below to a colleague: Jacob, that meeting was a mess. You lost control of things, and now you have to clean it up. What in the world were you thinking when you said that you thought the physician made a mistake in her diagnosis and that the patient should sue her and us?!? Seriously? Identify the issues with this e-mail, and offer an alternative way of writing this so that it is professional and effective. Your response should be at least 200 words in length.
Question 3. Describe how you will go about doing a search for a new healthcare position including what websites you would use, how you would prioritize applying for a position you found, and how you would prepare for and follow up on the interview. Your response should be at least 200 words in length.
Paper For Above Instructions
Cultural Competency in Healthcare Administration
As a healthcare administrator, understanding and addressing cultural diversity within the workforce and among patients is vital for effective communication and service delivery. Cultural competency refers to the ability of healthcare providers and organizations to understand and respect the diverse cultural backgrounds, beliefs, and values of the populations they serve (Betancourt et al., 2016). In practice, I would ensure that our organization advocates for diversity training for all employees, focusing on developing cultural awareness, empathy, and communication skills. By conducting regular workshops and discussions, I would create an environment where staff members feel comfortable addressing cultural issues and learning from one another.
Moreover, I would implement policies promoting inclusivity, making sure to recognize various cultural holidays and practices within the workplace. This recognition fosters an open dialogue among employees and encourages a respectful environment (Wheatle, 2019). Additionally, patient care conversations should include staff who speak multiple languages or are trained in cultural nuances to ensure comprehension and comfort for diverse patients. Building patient relationships based on mutual respect and understanding is essential for enhancing patient satisfaction and outcomes (Gonzalez et al., 2017).
Understanding the importance of cultural competency also extends to the administrative level, shaping the organization’s vision and values. As a healthcare leader, I recognize that addressing potential disparities in health outcomes can significantly improve the quality of care provided and reduce inequalities (Nadeem et al., 2020). Overall, my approach to functioning and communicating effectively in a diverse environment involves leadership, training, and policies that promote cultural respect within healthcare settings.
Improving Professional Communication
In the provided email, the healthcare administrator exhibits several issues that need to be addressed. First, the tone of the message is unprofessional and abrasive, which can undermine the recipient’s confidence and team morale. Phrasing such as “that meeting was a mess” and “what in the world were you thinking” can be perceived as unconstructive criticism instead of feedback aimed at improvement (Hargie, 2016). The message lacks an understanding and solution-oriented approach, focusing instead on blame, which leads to defensiveness rather than collaboration.
An alternative email that maintains professionalism might read as follows:
“Subject: Follow-Up on Meeting
Hi Jacob,
I wanted to touch base regarding our recent meeting. I noticed some challenges arose during our discussion that may have hindered productivity. Could we schedule a time to review the main points and address any misunderstandings? Additionally, I’m concerned about the comments made regarding the physician's diagnosis and how they may impact our team’s dynamics and our relationship with the patient. Let's work together on a response that fosters collaboration and maintains our professionalism.
Thank you for your understanding, and I look forward to our conversation.
Best,
[Your Name]”
This rephrased email acknowledges the issues while fostering teamwork and professionalism.
Searching for a New Healthcare Position
In searching for a new healthcare position, several strategies and resources can enhance the process. Firstly, utilizing reputable job search websites such as LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor is crucial in exploring current job openings that suit my skill set. Each platform offers tailored job listings and valuable company insights that are beneficial during the application process. In addition, I would explore specialized healthcare job boards like Health eCareers and MedJobCafe for focused opportunities that truly align with my professional goals.
When I find potential positions, I would prioritize applying based on the alignment of my qualifications with job requirements, the organization’s mission, and growth opportunities. Tailoring each application—including my cover letter and resume—to fit the specific role will increase my chances of catching the hiring manager’s attention (Lievens & Chapman, 2019).
Preparation is key for succeeding during the interview process. I would thoroughly research the organization to understand its culture, values, and recent developments. Additionally, I would prepare responses to common interview questions and reflect on my experiences that demonstrate my skills and competencies relevant to the job. Following up after the interview is equally important. Sending a thank-you email within 24 hours, expressing gratitude for the opportunity, and reiterating my enthusiasm for the role reinforces my interest and professionalism (Liu et al., 2018). This approach not only showcases my commitment but also leaves a positive impression with potential employers.
References
- Betancourt, J. R., Green, A. R., Carrillo, J. E., & Ananeh-Firempong, O. (2016). Defining cultural competence: A practical framework for addressing racial/ethnic disparities in health and healthcare. Public Health Reports, 121(5), 495-510.
- Gonzalez, M. A., Tarraf, W., Whitfield, K. E., & Jackson, J. S. (2017). The epidemiology of major depression and ethnicity in the United States. Psychiatric Services, 68(3), 196-203.
- Hargie, O. (2016). Skilled interpersonal communication: Research, theory and practice. London: Routledge.
- Lievens, F., & Chapman, D. (2019). Recruitment and selection in healthcare: A review of the literature. Journal of Health Organization and Management, 33(1), 58-73.
- Liu, X., Zhang, P., & Cheng, J. (2018). The impact of follow-up communications on the hiring decision process. Human Resource Management, 57(4), 807-821.
- Nadeem, E., Lange, J. M., Miranda, J., & Kohn, W. (2020). Effectiveness of culturally tailored interventions for engaging underserved populations in healthcare: A systematic review. American Journal of Public Health, 110(1), e1-e10.
- Wheatle, K. (2019). The impact of cultural competence in patient care. Nursing Management, 50(4), 24-27.