Project Manager, Team Member, Just one of many…. I am a Consultant.

I was flattered to be asked to write something for our Santa Rosa weekly blog.  About 5 seconds later that flattery turned into apprehension.  What was I going to write about? 

Medication Reconciliation, maybe?.  MEDITECH maybe? Project Management, getting colder.  What about something as simple as what is it like to be a consultant at Santa Rosa Consulting?  I say “simple” because I’m sure that as you begin to read this you’re saying to yourself  “A consultant will come in and do the job they are assigned to do. “  But in this day of technology we are not alone in completing this task which may have been the standard 10-15 years ago. I do not see myself like that.  Consultants have come a long way and have access to technology and resources that can increase their knowledge which provides more value to clients than ever before. 

As a consultant I go to my account and based on the assignment will begin the Project Management process.  I’ll assess the situation that is in place, start to review what details will be needed to complete the project, and work with the staff on-site to do so.  But I’d like to think that I can do more than that, for myself and for the clients.

As a consultant I will also work with my fellow consultants to share information, communicate about projects we are working on, and try to assist with sharing information to help everyone succeed.  As a positive team member I can openly discuss topics of conversation ranging from current projects to new laws being passed to processes that we can internally put in place to help one other become better and more efficient. 

As a consultant I can network with others to share information.  I recently attended the International MUSE conference in Dallas, TX and was able to represent Santa Rosa Consulting by presenting a pharmacy-related topic at an educational seminar.  I was also able to attend several other seminars in an attempt to gain more knowledge about topics ranging from e-Prescribing to CPOE.  I met several other healthcare IT professionals striving for the same thing, increased knowledge.  There is no better way to gain knowledge than to learn from previous experiences.  I found it beneficial to learn from others as I hope they did learning from me.

As a consultant I will try to pick up as many tools as possible to allow me to work most efficiently for our clients.  No, I will not be picking up an iPad. (At least not this week.)  But I will get software to assist in the creation of better end-user manuals and a scripting tool to become my most productive when doing data entry.

If you are reading this wondering why am I stating all of these things, it’s because when you look into the world of a consultant we are evolving.  We are not just an individual we are a team, growing to assist with a variety of knowledge.  We communicate more within ourselves and with others just like yourselves who are going through some of the same trials and tribulations being encountered in the continually changing world of healthcare.  We are taking the extra time to further educate ourselves and become the best IT professionals that we can. 

Santa Rosa allows me to flourish, with both personal and professional growth.  I am happy to be part of an organization that thinks highly of its employees and allows them the opportunity to expand their knowledge base, understanding that we are all part of the team.

To learn more about Santa Rosa Consulting and how we can help you as a client or you as a consultant, go to santarosaconsulting.com or email us at contactus@santarosaconsulting.com.