Memorial Health’s Jurgensen among leadership institute grads

Traci Jurgensen, Health Information Management Manager, from Memorial Health System (MHS) of Abilene, pictured fourth from the left, is shown with other leaders from MHS who were in attendance at the convention and trade show. *Photo courtesy MHS*

OVERLAND PARK — The Kansas Hospital Association (KHA) Leadership Institute recently graduated its 17th class of 30 students, including an employee of Abilene’s Memorial Health System.

The event took place on September 6 at the KHA Annual Convention and Trade Show in Overland Park.

Students were nominated by their hospital’s CEO to be part of this select group. They represent the future leaders of Kansas hospitals.

Included in the class was Traci Jurgensen, Health Information Management Manager, from Memorial Health System of Abilene.

Helping to build future health care leaders is important to the Kansas Hospital Association.

“We are committed to strengthening and promoting the leadership capacity of hospital employees in Kansas,” said Tom Bell, president and CEO, Kansas Hospital Association.

The KHA Leadership Institute was established to help hospitals provide professional development opportunities that accentuate the personal skills and abilities needed to facilitate positive change and innovation in Kansas hospitals.

The 2018 Leadership Institute class was diverse. They represented a wide geographic distribution of hospitals from Hays to Leavenworth and Girard to Liberal – there was representation from all parts of the state. Students had been working in health care for as little as one year to more than 20 years. Several students have been in management positions while others were new managers. Some students also supervisor other staff, from a few to more than 50 employees.

It is important to note that the students nominated to participate in this program were not selected because they needed to learn “management skills.” They were nominated because their CEO recognized their potential to be future leaders and wanted to help cultivate that development. Each one of these students made a personal and professional commitment to expand their skills by attending all six courses of the Leadership Institute.

The curriculum was structured to enhance each student’s leadership abilities. Course No. 1 focused on explaining the difference between leadership and management, identifying organizational values and creating a positive organizational climate. Course No. 2 focused on enhancing communication skills and examining ethics. Course No. 3 examined conflict and how to effectively manage it. Course No. 4 focused on team building – including how to lead a team and how to be part of a team. Courses No. 5 and No. 6 were at the KHA Annual Convention and Trade Show. Students learned about the challenges facing health care in the future.

The Kansas Hospital Association is a voluntary, non-profit organization existing to be the leading advocate and resource for members. KHA membership includes 223 member facilities, of which 124 are full-service, community hospitals. Founded in 1910, KHA’s vision is “Optimal Health for Kansans.”