Tip of the week: Enjoy being an MSP

On one hand, being an MSP can be stressful and, at times, frustrating because you may not have the authority needed to accomplish your required tasks. On the other hand, the rewards can be numerous. Here are some hints to help reduce stress, maintain an objective outlook, get the job done, and enjoy it at the same time:

• Have a sense of humor
• Maintain a neat workspace that is relaxing for you, is inviting for physicians and others who stop by, and provides privacy when necessary
• Take advantage of stress management and time management programs offered by your hospital or in the community
• Participate in local, state, and national professional groups. The National Association of Medical Staff Services (NAMSS) has more than 4,000 members nationwide, with chapters in almost ever state. Visit your state's Web site or the NAMSS Web site (www.namss.org) for information about professional growth opportunities.
• Network with other MSPs to facilitate professional growth and increase credibility
• Get involved in hospital activities such as task forces, employee newsletters, and volunteer programs to gain a better perspective on medical staffs' relationships with other hospital employees
• When you feel stress building, take a walk through some of the patient care areas or go outside for some fresh air. It is very easy to forget that you work in an institution that deals with life and death every day. Refresh your point of view by observing the real reason the hospital and medical staff exist.
• Continue your education. Your career objective may be to achieve a higher position in the hospital, to expand the services provided by your office, or to do the best you can to maintain your current position. Continuing educating will help you achieve your goal and keep you current with developments that affect the medical staff organization and the hospital.

The preceding information was excerpted from Assessing Your Medical Staff Office: Tools for Productivity by Beverly E. Pybus, CPMSM; and Nancy Lian, CPCS, CPMSM. To learn more, click here.