Building Community Through a Shared Commitment to Healthcare Quality & Safety

A core strength of being part of the healthcare Quality ecosystem, especially through NAHQ, is our association's unwavering commitment to cultivating a strong community within the healthcare industry, specifically the critical profession and discipline of Quality & Safety.

The definition of a professional community as a group of people who not only share a common profession or industry but who share common goals and values deeply resonates with me. I have experienced firsthand the dedication of those who work diligently every day, knowing that our efforts to advance Quality and patient safety will improve patient outcomes and help healthcare organizations thrive.

In today's dynamic and often high-stakes healthcare landscape, nurturing this sense of community and supporting our common goals among professionals is paramount.

Historically, in periods of change and uncertainty, professionals in every field seek a reliable 'home base' – a place for connection, learning and skill development through enriching educational platforms, advocacy, and valuable thought leadership.

I am proud that NAHQ serves this role for so many and that we are stepping up our efforts to meet the moment. At NAHQ, we consider ourselves a home for Quality professionals and are proud to offer the following:

Connection: Having a place to belong can be an effective antidote to burnout and a driver of job satisfaction. The demanding nature of healthcare can lead to considerable fatigue. A robust sense of camaraderie provides crucial emotional support, alleviates feelings of isolation, and fosters a more positive, engaging and inspiring environment, ultimately enhancing job satisfaction and retention. I am especially excited to share a new community initiative that will amplify our sense of shared mission and connection – NAHQ has revitalized the Faces of Quality program. Faces of Quality is a forum to honor the healthcare professionals who are true Quality champions by sharing their insights, successes and stories. Come be inspired by the newest Faces of Quality and consider sharing your own story.

Learning and skill development: As the demands to ‘do more with less’ escalate, it becomes even more critical that we are all prepared with the industry-standard competencies we need to perform our best in our own roles and the common vocabulary and tools to work effectively together. When professionals are all properly trained, the flow of information improves dramatically, care coordination becomes seamless, and collaborative problem-solving is strengthened, directly contributing to improved patient safety and outcomes. I am proud that NAHQ is leading the way on standardizing education and training with many resources aligned to the industry-standard NAHQ Healthcare Quality Competency Framework™ as well as offering the only accredited certification in healthcare Quality – the CPHQ.

Advocacy and thought leadership: NAHQ has always been a staunch advocate for Quality & Safety, elevating both the profession and the discipline. During changes in administration, this role becomes even more critical. NAHQ is getting a seat the table with key healthcare leaders and policymakers, making the case for and demonstrating how investing in Quality pays back in healthcare and financial outcomes. You can always find NAHQ’s latest white papers, POVs, industry interviews and more in one convenient location at NAHQ.org/news-intel.

I am honored to be associated with such a distinguished group of leaders during this time and throughout my tenure as President of the Board of Directors at NAHQ. I am equally honored to be associated with all of you, the healthcare Quality & Safety community. Our collective efforts enhance patient care and improve healthcare outcomes. Together, we are one powerful professional community. We are a true force for Quality!

Patricia (Patty) Resnik, MJ, MBA, RRT, FACHE, CPHQ, CHC, CHPC

NAHQ President