Administrators share experiences, build relationships at retreat
Friday, Novembber 19, 2004 - Natalie Miller
Two administrators who attended OMNI's retreat this week say the gathering was an opportunity to connect with their colleagues and share challenges and success stories.

Leaders from the 16 long-term care homes met at the Best Western Otonabee Inn in Peterborough Tuesday and Wednesday. Rick Gourlie, administrator of Almonte Country Haven, says participants tackled a lofty, but informative agenda. He says he personally enjoyed mingling with his co-workers from other homes and was impressed with their commitment and dedication to their jobs.

"I feel invigorated and charged," says Rick.

"I learned a lot of things and how important it is to have camaraderie with your peers."

Leeanne Hadley, administrator of Streamway Villa in Cobourg, concurs. She says there's a comfort in knowing everyone is "in this together."

"It's such a valuable two days."

Leeanne says the retreat provided a venue to share feedback with home office. "We (had) a lot of opportunity to help with decision making.and what the priorities are for OMNI."

Rick says he learned about the value of having standardized processes. Administrators were asked to go back to their homes and discuss in which areas they'd like to see the same practices OMNI-wide. Rick says he'd like to see standardized information for the orientation process, admission process, the Healthy Living, Healthy Skin initiative and supportive measures. The purpose of developing standards is so the experience is uniform at each OMNI home.

"I learned that standardization is really important," says Rick. "It looks at examples of great success and makes it part of a daily routine. In my mind, you'd be doing what's best, not just what you've been doing for years."

Rick says he's eager to find out more about the upcoming automation of the nursing care system, which essentially transfers handwritten files onto a computer.