Jeanne Morgante, DPT

Leadership Skills for Rehabilitation Professionals

The purpose of this project was to understand the level of leadership training, resource exposure, and future leadership involvement amongst the Clinical Rehabilitation Professionals: Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, and Speech-Language Pathologists of Nuvance Health.A survey was distributed to the Rehabilitation departments of the seven hospitals of Nuvance Health. The survey consisted of 5 questions that assessed Rehabilitation Professionals’ access to leadership training. The questions concerned leadership within their matriculated course work, knowledge of leadership training in their professional organization and within Nuvance Health, and their likelihood to take on leadership roles within Nuvance Health. The survey was answered by 48 healthcare professionals with an average of 15 years’ experience at Nuvance Health (range one year to 40 years of experience). More than 81% of healthcare rehabilitation professionals did not participate in a matriculated leadership course when they obtained their professional degrees. 53% of health care rehabilitation professionals were aware of resources within their professional organizations for leadership training. However, more than 70% of health care rehabilitation professionals were unaware of leadership training within the Nuvance Health organization. Yet 89% of Nuvance Health Rehabilitation Professional employees reveal that they are somewhat likely to very likely to take on a leadership position within the Nuvance Health organization. (Implications) Rehabilitation Professional’s education is deeply rooted in science and clinical care. An education gap appears to exist in the formation of leadership skills. Clinical Rehabilitation Professionals may not have the necessary evidence-based knowledge regarding specific leadership styles and the ability to succeed in a leadership role. Nuvance Health has an opportunity to address the significant gap between awareness of available leadership training resources at Nuvance Health and the likelihood of Clinical Rehabilitation Professionals taking on a leadership position. Developing the skills needed in day- to-day practice on the front lines and for those who may be moving into formal leadership positions can be an excellent opportunity for Nuvance Health’s Clinical Rehabilitation Professionals. Nuvance Health might consider devoting additional attention to improving the leadership training within the healthcare system to our future leaders amongst our current employed clinical rehabilitation professionals. Building personal/professional development tools for a Leadership Toolbox by presenting online resources, collateral materials, and professional organizational seminars are possibilities for learning. In addition, Nuvance Health might consider establishing a collaborative effort with the newly reorganized Human Resources Leadership and Talent teams for support within the Rehabilitation Departments across the seven hospitals.