Jaded Julie Learns More about a Lean Transformation

“Hey, Jaded Julie, my shadowing you for a day last month certainly convinced me of the potential value of Lean for nursing.”

“No problem, Curmudge. You were not in the way, and you seemed to have a lot in common with the older patients.”

“But remember the critical difference, Julie. I was standing up.”

“I’d like to learn more about Lean, Curmudge, especially the Lean tools that you mentioned.”

“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. The tools and techniques used in Lean are only half the story. We first need to learn the basics of a Lean transformation. Using Lean tools without knowing the basic philosophy would be like putting you to work on Four South without first learning physiology.”

“Go ahead and teach, Curmudge, as long as it’s not biochemistry.”

“Lean has two basic principles. We have already learned about the first one, Continuous Improvement or Kaizen. The second principle is Respect for People.”

“That’s easy. We already show respect for our patients in our caring for them.”

“There’s more to it than that, Julie. In a Lean transformation the organization respects all of its people, including everyone in gemba. I’m sure you recall that gemba is everywhere in the hospital where services are performed for our customers, the patients. Remember the upside-down organizational pyramid. A major focus of Lean is to help workers realize their full potential. This is very different from traditional management systems.”

“I hesitate to ask, Curmudge, but is there more to Respect for People than professional fulfillment?”

“I’m glad you did ask. An essential part of a Lean transformation is a ‘no lay-off’ policy as a result of process improvement and standardization. That means if your unit becomes so efficient due to application of Lean that not everyone is needed, the extra person will have opportunities elsewhere with Affinity.”

“Wow! That sounds great. Is there anything else?”

“Eventually there will be. When there are gains to share, a ‘gainsharing’ program will be started. Gainsharing means that when the hospital exceeds predetermined performance levels, the monetary gains will be shared with everyone.”

“Curmudge, all of this Lean stuff sounds super, but I know there is no free lunch. What can go wrong?”

“As usual, Jaded Julie, you have keen perception. When we get together next time, we’ll chat about potential pitfalls. See you then, Julie.”

“Ciao, Curmudge.”

Affinity’s Kaizen Curmudgeon