Article one

This week's reading defined the difference between strategic and operational Planning. The difference also places the responsibility on the organization's employees at different levels. According to (Lusser, 2008), strategic planning is usually assigned to upper-level and middle management, while operational is more of middle-lower management responsibilities.This can differ depending on the organization, the roles, and the projects.

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to be a great example of planning, changing, and insight into healthcare needs until this day. The strategic planning that went into ensuring that information, care procedures, infection control and so much happened during COVID-19.

Most healthcare providers were a part of the strategic planning of the CDC, and although not all agreed, the plan was carried out. With close communication, the CDC provided procedures to care for, isolate, medicate, and bury people infected with the virus. At the beginning of the pandemic, there was panic, and what others would be called precautions. To be fair the number of deaths that were happening required action. The country went from face covering to K-95 masks, and no visitation, to public shutdowns.

All of these changes in policy and procedures required upper-middle management to adhere to and implement. The operational aspect of changes fell on the unit manager, nurses, and care staff to carry out. Employees at the operational level had to figure out how to deliver healthcare to infected patients with the lowest possible risk.

In my experience working during COVID-19 was a very daunting, emotional, time working as a nurse. Dawning on Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) between each patient, totally covered, ensuring introduce myself to calm the patient so as not to scare them. The facilities here in the United States and healthcare workers gave 100% to save as many lives as possible with the planning of the CDC.

Article two

A strategic operational plan plays a pivotal role in the success of a health care organization. While strategic planning and operational planning can function as two separate tools for management, the greatest benefit is utilizing these tools together. According to MacAllister (2021), "utilizing a tool that serves as a template for decision-making and planning will allow the organization to move to the next level of performance." The strategic plan defines the goal, and the operational plan puts that goal into action. According to UAGC Staff Member (2023), "strategic planning in healthcare, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), refers to the process of defining an organization's direction and making decisions that align with its long-term goals." The operational plan can be utilized as a guide for ongoing needs and as well as accommodating surges or unexpected changes and provide guidance to make informed and meaningful decisions (MacAllister, 2021). In my current organization there are two steps in this process and how both tools are utilized together to better benefit the organization system in the continuously changing health care environment. Generally, both tools are utilized together, but created in two separate parts. The first step is to create the strategic plan. "Strategic planning in health care involves a comprehensive analysis of the organization's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats" (UAGC Staff member, 2023). With this, the organization is analyzed and reviewed for areas of improvement and what goals are to be achieved and the time frame for these goals. Once this takes place, the operational plan then can be implemented. This plan is the bridge in the gap and lays out the direction to take to achieve the strategic goals. The operational plan is the resource used for day-to-day decisions and ensuring that the organization is performing at its best to better achieve the organizational goals.

Assignment

Review the two articles and explain why you agree with the author's view point.