I no longer work for the University of New Mexico Clinics. However, my DNP Project is being conducted with one of the University clinics.  The Mission of the University of New Mexico Health Science Center is to “ensure that all populations in New Mexico have access to the highest quality health care” (UNM Health Science Center, 2019).  Goals for the Mission are as follows:

• Improve the health and healthcare to the population
• Foster innovation, discovery and creativity; translate our research and findings into clinical or educational practice
• Deliver a well-integrated academic health center that provides a high quality of care and service while being accessible to all New Mexicans

The Mission statement of the University Of New Mexico (UNM) works smoothly with the goals that I have set for myself.  By pursuing a DNP education, this does benefit the population which I will be serving by increased knowledge and the wisdom to make changes.  Of course, Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) the foundation of my practice our practice as providers.  And finally, care that is accessible to all.  This is an integral part of anywhere we will work.  Quality of care.   These goals presented by UNM are projections for the next 10 years. I do not have access to the exact strategic planning of this organization.

An important goal for which I would strive for is to “foster innovation, discovery, and creativity…EBP.”  Deliver high-quality care.  Accessibility is essential in almost all health care organizations.  Before leaving the UNM Clinic, which I was employed (June of this year); a new program had been implemented to have the providers’ see more patients.  Ten patients for the morning session and ten patients for the afternoon session.  The organization was hoping to increase access to care and increase clinic revenue.  Concern was “is the quality of patient care in jeopardy?”  In dealing with health care organizations, they are pressured by a decrease in reimbursement for services and striving to make the customer happy.  Providers are expected to do more with less time to spend with the patient.  15 minutes compared to 30 minutes.  Patients are also told, “you may only address 2-problems with your provider.”  Well; my experience was “that did not work.”  This would be a new strategy which the UNM system was trying to improve overall access and patient satisfaction.

The mission statement is close to my values and goals, however, seeing more and expecting the same level of care is questionable.  The pressure to perform on a provider and expect the patient to be happy about “two problems only” then bring back to resolve other issues; not sure that is quality. Of course, at this time, it is a retrospective reflection.

According to Buppert (2018), a practice is interested in productivity and quality.  Seeing twenty patients per day is considered to be reasonable.  Beyond that, quality can suffer.   Reimbursement for services is involved.  A strategy to employ patient safety, timely care, effective care, efficient, and patient-centered is necessary for service provided (Waxman, 2013).

References

Buppert, C. (2018). Nurse Practitioner’s Business Practice and Legal Guide (6th ed). Burlington: MA. Jones & Bartlett Learning.

The University of New Mexico Health Science Center (2019). Mission statement, goals, and vision. Retrieved from https://www.hsc.unm.edu/about/mission.html

Waxman, K.T. (2013). Financial and Business Management for the Doctor of Nursing Practice. New York: NY. Springer Publishing Company, LLC.