1. Can you describe what your duties are as Director of Quality and Patient Safety?

Develop and implement policies and procedures for the identification, collection, and analysis of quality, risk, and patient safety information

Educate and train the leadership, staff, and physicians as to the quality and patient safety program and their respective responsibilities in carrying out the program

Advise departments on designing quality improvement and patient safety initiatives

Investigate and analyze root causes, patterns, and trends that could result in compensatory or sentinel events, serious adverse events, and near misses

Report all adverse events to appropriate regulatory and accrediting agencies as required

2. What was the journey like to get to this point? 

Wow, it’s been a long one for sure! From being in OT school, completing my clinicals, passing my boards, spending 13 years at the bedside in acute care (7 of those years in a leadership role) and now I am leading my own quality & patient safety department!  Every part of my journey has gotten me to this place. I don’t consider myself lucky. I worked very hard to get here and I don’t ever forget that.

3. How has your experience in OT helped you to prepare for this job?

OTPs are problem solvers, creative, adaptive, smart, and resilient. All of those characteristics translate to quality & patient safety.

4. Who has inspired you in your life? 

My Mom. She has been a nurse for over 40 years and is one of the most dedicated healthcare professionals I have known. She is the definition of resilience.

5. Has working in quality management changed the way that you think or approach OT? If so, in what way?

It has made me more focused on processes, metrics, and outcomes.

6. What makes a leader? Not just in the OT field but anywhere?

You must be honest with yourself and the people around you. A good leader brings out the best in you.

7. What kind of advice do you have for OTPs that are looking to be leaders in their field?

When you are new to a job sit back and observe for a while. Study the processes, the people and learn the behaviors. Work hard, really hard. Give everything your best and eventually, you will be the best.

8. What is a skill that OTPs have that sets us apart from the rest in terms of leadership?

I love this question. We are the most adaptive people I know. Being adaptive in hospital leadership is an absolute must. Healthcare is one of the most dynamic fields out there and if you cannot change with the industry, you will be left behind.

9. How would you like to see leadership evolve in the field of OT?

I would love to see OTPs at the table as world-class leaders in healthcare.

10. How do you maintain a work-life balance?

My family is number one, work is second. I don’t ever forget that, and I always stress that to my team as well. I make sure to take time off and take breaks when I can. When the workload is a little lighter, I will leave work a bit earlier so I can take my 2 boys to the park to play. I cherish my weekends with my family and friends after working all week in a very busy environment. 

"OTPs are problem solvers, creative, adaptive, smart, and resilient. All of those characteristics translate to quality & patient safety." - Colette Maguire