Don’t Be An Island Unto Yourself: Perioperative Leaders Should Rely on Team Expertise
It may seem unusual for someone without an RN to succeed in perioperative leadership. Look no further than Kevin Youmans.
Recently placed as CEO at Casper Surgical Center in Casper, WY, Youmans is a highly experienced healthcare executive who has managed outpatient services, operations, regional growth, and surgical service lines.
However, he does not have an RN, and Casper did not require candidates to have one. In fact, they were seeking someone without it.
“It did not surprise me that they were looking for a non-RN,” Youmans says. “The organization has solid nursing leadership and was looking for a non-RN leader to perform the business functions for the surgery center.”
“The organization has solid nursing leadership and was looking for a non-RN leader to perform the business functions for the surgery center.”
But what made Youmans stand out? Sarah Magner, Fast Track Portfolio Manager at Whitman Partners, interviewed Youmans late last year for a Fast Track video. Of the handful of people she spoke with, Youmans agreed immediately and was the only one to wear a suit and tie.
“He was speaking off the cuff in this video, but he was very detailed and articulate, so you couldn’t even tell,” Magner says. “Every time I talked to Kevin on the phone, he was super friendly, super nice. Very down to earth.”
“Every time I talked to Kevin on the phone, he was super friendly, super nice. Very down to earth.”
Sarah Magner, Fast Track Portfolio Manager
Despite an impressive resume at large facilities on the East Coast, not having an RN meant Youmans would not be considered for many perioperative leadership positions filled by Whitman Partners.
“It’s becoming more common for non-RNs to be in those positions. It depends on the facility and the type of role they’re trying to fill,” Magner says. “But more often than not, they want an RN with a BSN or MSN.”
Youmans stayed on Magner’s radar. When the Casper position became available, she thought of him immediately and passed him on to Portfolio Manager Kristen Bowman. They went through the typical interview process, but Bowman says Youmans made it all go remarkably smooth because he was not only qualified on paper but had people to vouch for his incredible leadership skills.
“Every single person I talked to about Kevin had extraordinary things to say about him,” Bowman says. “He is the type of leader who considered everyone when there needed to be any change. He was open to opinions and never approached a situation as if his way was the only way. He is truly the most sincere and genuine person I’ve ever worked with.”
“He is the type of leader who considered everyone when there needed to be any change. He was open to opinions and never approached a situation as if his way was the only way. He is truly the most sincere and genuine person I’ve ever worked with.”
Kristen Bowman, Portfolio Manager
After Youmans interviewed with Casper, both sides felt they had hit the jackpot. Their only hesitation was wondering: was he truly willing to move? The fact that he and his wife were looking at properties in the area was pretty convincing. Youmans says he’d always been interested in visiting that part of the country, especially national parks, so it wasn’t hard to consider this opportunity seriously. Once they knew he was on board, Casper did not want to meet any other candidates.
“I cannot say enough great things about Sarah Magner,” Youmans says, now three months into his new gig. “She would call me every few weeks and keep me top of mind. She provided the information about Casper and connected me with the right people. I am so pleased with the support I received from the entire Whitman team.”
As to the field of opportunity for non-RNs in perioperative? It’s sparse but not a completely uphill battle. Youmans’ advice to non-RN perioperative professionals to excel in leadership is not to put yourself on an island.
“Rely on the content experts, the surgeons, nurses, and the business office to assist in decision-making to keep the patient at the center of everything you do,” Youmans says.
“Rely on the content experts, the surgeons, nurses, and the business office to assist in decision-making to keep the patient at the center of everything you do,” Youmans says. “Do daily rounding with team members, listen to their concerns, and solve the issues to create a better work environment while also providing the tools and equipment to be successful.”
Carisa Brewster
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